An airman assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base who was found dead earlier this month has been publicly identified as Staff Sergeant Lonzell Bryant, 25, of Andalusia, Alabama.
According to base officials, Bryant was discovered deceased at his off-base residence on Tuesday, September 2. He served as an aerospace propulsion craftsman with the 28th Maintenance Squadron since January 2023, where he supported the readiness of Ellsworth’s bomber fleet.
In a public statement, Colonel Erick Lord, commander of the 28th Bomb Wing, called the loss “tragic,” saying, “We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fellow Airmen grieving during this difficult time.”
As of publication, no cause of death has been released. The U.S. Air Force has confirmed that the matter remains under investigation. Standard military policy required the notification of next of kin and a 24-hour waiting period before Bryant’s identity was released to the public.
No further details have been provided by the 28th Bomb Wing or local authorities.
Born October 7, 1999, Lonzell Bryant was remembered by family and friends as a man of strength, humility, and commitment. His work as an aerospace propulsion craftsman placed him among the highly skilled airmen responsible for keeping America’s long-range strike aircraft in the fight.
A statement from Kirk’s Funeral Chapel in Andalusia described Bryant as someone who “honorably served his country with dedication, courage, and distinction.”
His role with the 28th Maintenance Squadron supported the B-1B Lancer fleet, a key asset in U.S. global deterrence strategy.
A funeral service for Staff Sgt. Bryant was held on Saturday, September 13, at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Gantt, Alabama.
Ellsworth Air Force Base, home of the 28th Bomb Wing, has faced its share of losses over the years. This latest death underscores the emotional toll military service can take—even far from the front lines.
Whether due to accident, illness, or unseen battles within, the loss of a 25-year-old airman is a reminder that service doesn’t come without sacrifice—and sometimes that sacrifice happens quietly, out of uniform, and behind closed doors.
The Salty Soldier will continue to follow developments in this case as additional details are released.
© 2025 The Salty Soldier. All Rights Reserved.
The content of this webpage may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written consent of TheSaltySoldier.com.
