WNY soldier found dead at Kansas fort

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A tragic mystery has hit close to home. Army Private Thomas Lavrey, a soldier from western New York, has been found dead. His family and friends are heartbroken and baffled.

The Army and his family down in Machias are not commenting on whether foul play was involved in Lavrey's death at Fort Riley in Kansas until the investigation is complete. On Sunday, Lavrey was found unresponsive in his living quarters at Fort Riley where he was a utilities equipment repairman. The cause of death is still under investigation.

He was only 21-years-old and spent two years in the Army. He spent most of his life in the Cattaraugus County Town of Machias.

>> Photo gallery: Pvt. Thomas Lavrey

For most of his school years he attended Holland Central Schools and briefly Pioneer and West Seneca East before attaining his GED. He joined the Army in March of 2010.

His family didn't want to be on camera but told News 4 over the phone he was a happy-go-lucky smart-aleck who always tried to make people laugh. He was athletic and worked out every day.

He leaves behind his parents, two step-brothers and one sister.

Lavrey's remains will stay in Kansas while the investigation continues and no date has been set for his funeral.