Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The U.S. Army reported the death of a soldier this past Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. Spc. Faamavaega Tanielu, a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division Artillery Brigade, passed away following an early morning incident on post, according to division officials at Fort Liberty. The nature of the incident and further details remain under investigation.

Tanielu, originally from Pago Pago, American Samoa, enlisted in the Army in October 2022 and was assigned to Fort Liberty in August 2023. He was respected by those around him and admired for his dedication to both his duties and his heritage.

His upbringing in American Samoa instilled a strong sense of community, which he reflected by building close connections with his peers.

His time in the military demonstrated his determination to excel, and his contributions during his brief career left a lasting impression on his brigade, especially the close friends he quickly made at the base.

Investigators are currently reviewing the circumstances of the incident to determine what led to his death. No additional information has been released.