Contrary to initial media reports, the U.S. Army clarified that the death of Sgt. Sunil Thapa, a 25-year-old American soldier of Nepali descent, occurred off-post and was not related to a training accident.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division stated to the news outlet NepYork that Sgt. Thapa, an infantryman assigned to the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, died off-base.
“Sgt. Sunil Thapa was an Infantryman assigned to the 3rd Cavalry Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas. His death occurred off-post and was not related to a training accident,” the spokesperson said. “Because the matter occurred off-post, all further inquiries regarding the circumstances or the investigation must be directed to the Killeen, TX Police Department and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division.”
Initial reports from several Nepali media outlets and social media platforms, citing family sources, had claimed Thapa died from a gunshot wound to the head during a military training exercise in Texas, allegedly caused by an accidental discharge by a fellow soldier. The Army’s official statement directly refutes those earlier claims.
“The Soldiers and leaders of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment send their deepest condolences to Sgt. Thapa’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” said the spokesperson. As of publication, neither the Killeen, TX Police Department nor the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division has released additional details.
Family Raises Suspicions
The military’s clarification came shortly after Sgt. Thapa’s grieving father, Hem Thapa, posted an emotional video on TikTok expressing suspicions over his son’s death.
In the video, speaking in Nepali, Hem Thapa voiced deep pain and questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident. Family members stated that Sunil died on June 29—just three days before his 26th birthday—from a gunshot wound to the head.
“My son didn’t just die; something is wrong. Someone is involved in his death,” Hem Thapa said in the video. “I haven’t seen the evidence, and I won’t know until the official report arrives. I am not accusing anyone directly, but as a father, my soul tells me something is wrong. Our entire family feels broken. It doesn’t feel like a simple death—something isn’t right.”
Hem Thapa emphasized that he is not placing direct blame on anyone as the family awaits the official investigation results.
Memorial and Military Honors
The father’s video was published nine days after Sgt. Thapa’s funeral. A memorial service was held July 13 at a funeral home in Wantagh, New York, where family, friends, and local community leaders gathered alongside Hem Thapa and his wife, Maya Thapa.
Following the service, Sgt. Thapa was laid to rest with full military honors—including a ceremonial rifle salute and “Taps”—at Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale, New York.
Sgt. Thapa, the youngest son of Hem and Maya Thapa, had recently been promoted, according to family sources. Family members said military officials met with them in New York but provided limited details, noting that the formal investigation could take up to nine months to complete. The family added that they have not yet received an official death certificate or formal death notice documentation.
Hem and Maya Thapa are well-known figures within the local Nepali-American community as the founders of the non-profit Hem-Maya Foundation.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
