A chilling photo released by Honduran media has confirmed what many feared: 25-year-old U.S. Army officer 1st Lt. Marciano Parisano, a Black Hawk pilot stationed at Soto Cano Air Base, was found dead this weekend in the Chiquito River near Comayagua, Honduras.
Parisano, originally from Cibolo, Texas, had only recently graduated from West Point in 2023. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment and was serving as a UH-60 pilot with Joint Task Force-Bravo — the U.S. military’s forward-deployed task force for Central America, headquartered at Soto Cano (also known as Palmerola Air Base).
On Saturday, May 3rd, local authorities discovered Parisano’s body along the riverbank after he had reportedly been missing since the previous day. According to Honduran newspaper El Heraldo, a damaged cell phone believed to be his was found nearby and is now under forensic examination. Photos of the young lieutenant’s body are believed to have been broadcasted by Galaxia TV, which identified him as a U.S. military officer stationed in the region.
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At the time of his death, Parisano was off duty on a liberty pass — the military’s version of a short leave meant for leisure or rest. Honduran police are leading the investigation, with the assistance of U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), and their early findings have ruled out robbery as a motive. Authorities say multiple suspects have already been identified, but details remain tightly controlled.
According to a preliminary statement from the Honduran National Police, investigators spent several hours conducting a systematic grid search of the surrounding area. Surveillance footage is being recovered from the last place Parisano was seen alive — reportedly in the company of other civilians. Witnesses are being interviewed, and police have not ruled out foul play.
One detail that raised eyebrows: his phone showed signs of heat damage, though whether it was burned intentionally or as a result of environmental conditions is still under analysis.
The commander of Joint Task Force-Bravo, Army Col. Daniel Alder, issued a public statement calling Parisano’s contributions “immeasurable” and expressed that the entire unit is grieving his loss.
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts we acknowledge the passing of Lieutenant Marciano Parisano,” Alder said. “He served our unit and mission here at Soto Cano Air Base with dignity, pride and courage. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him and serve with him.”
The U.S. presence in Honduras is part of a long-standing regional security and disaster relief mission aimed at combating drug trafficking, gang violence, and organized crime.
The U.S. Army and Honduran police say the investigation remains active and ongoing.
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