Derry Soldier Died After Collapsing During Run

UPDATE: 1st Lt. Paul DeMeo of Derry died after passing out during a routine brigade run last week.

According to an email from the Army, DeMeo passed out during a "BDE run" on May 14 and died upon reaching the hospital. These brigade runs are typically performed by military units around sunrise for physical fitness.

Calling hours are from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Peabody Funeral Homes in Derry. A funeral will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the St. Thomas Aquinas Center in Derry.

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An earlier story follows:

FORT BRAGG, N.C. - 1st Lt. Paul DeMeo, an 82nd Airborne Division
Paratrooper, passed away on May 14 at Womack Army Medical Center on Fort Bragg, N.C. Further details surrounding his death are not available from the Public Affairs Office. 

1st Lt. DeMeo, 23, of Derry, N.H., was a Platoon Leader assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team.

1st Lt. DeMeo was commissioned into the Army on May 21, 2011 after graduating from United States Army Military Academy at West Point. After completing the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Basic Airborne and Ranger School at Fort Benning, Ga., he was assigned as a Plans Officer to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team here. He was later assigned as a Platoon Leader in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team.

DeMeo's photo was not available.       

"Paul was a charismatic, motivated, and exceptional leader who left
a lasting impression on his platoon, the company, and our battalion," said Lt. Col. J.C. White, commander of 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment. "He cared deeply for those around him and the lessons we all learned from Paul will never be forgotten."

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the
National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal,
the Army Service Ribbon, the Air Assault Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and
the Ranger Tab.