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Family, doctors not sure why soldier died

KENWOOD, Calif. — Doctors are still unsure about why a Sonoma County soldier on leave from Iraq died at his family’s home without showing signs of illness.

Dustin Mark Tucker, 22, was deployed in March as a gunner in the Army’s 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division out of Fort Hood, Texas. He returned home to Kenwood in late August for an 18-day leave, his first since being sent to Iraq.

On Aug. 27, two days into his leave, his parents and two brothers left him sleeping on the couch after a night spent watching movies. The next afternoon, his brothers discover him unconscious and not breathing, according to his family.

Doctors found Tucker had no brain function, and he was pronounced dead two days later, said his mother, Cindy Tucker. An autopsy Tuesday was inconclusive, and more tests are planned.

An Army officer also called from Baghdad and discussed examining Tucker’s living space and food and water supplies to search for clues to his death, she said.

“He has no family history or personal history of any kind of medical issues,” Cindy Tucker said. “He didn’t complain of not feeling well all week. He was happy. He was busy.”

The soldier only had complained of being tired and jetlagged after his return trip from Baghdad, which took him to Kuwait, Ireland and Atlanta before flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco, his family said.

Tucker’s family and friends remembered him as a peaceful but adventurous athlete who enjoyed the outdoors. His parents said they learned in calls from his fellow soldiers and superiors in Iraq this week that Tucker was a calm, reassuring presence in wartime.

Tucker, born in Redwood City, decided to join the Army last year when a friend re-enlisted.

A memorial service for Tucker was scheduled for Saturday afternoon in Santa Rosa.