Orange County Airman Dies Near German Autobahn

ORANGE, CA — A 29-year-old Orange, Calif. resident and airman stationed at the Spangdahlem Air Force Base has died, the Air Force Base said in a press release.

On Tuesday, at just before 2:30 p.m., Staff Sgt. Justin Vandervort was found unresponsive near the A60 Autobahn German highway, they said.

He was assigned to the 52nd Medical Operations Squadron, serving a "special-duty position as an instructor at a First Term Airman Course, guiding new airmen through their transition from technical training to operational Air Force" the Air Force said.

"This loss affects the entire Spangdahlem community," Col. Jason Bailey, commander of the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base said in a statement on Thursday. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and wingmen. We are doing everything possible to support them during this difficult time."

The circumstances of his death were not released, and is "under investigation," the Air Force said.

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