Air Force News, news from Iraq - Air Force Times

Aviano airman found dead in Italy

An airman stationed at Aviano Air Base, Italy, was found dead this week near a train station in Pordenone.

Airman 1st Class Lauren Lagudi, an award-winning broadcaster for the American Forces Network, was reported missing on Oct. 19. She was pronounced dead the following day after a search of downtown Pordenone, about 10 miles from Aviano.

Lagudi, who had been in the Air Force for nearly two years and stationed at Aviano since July 2008, received the Air Force’s 2008 Outstanding New Broadcaster of the Year award for her work as a morning radio DJ.

“What I love about the radio show too is that instant feedback we get,” she said in an Air Force news release earlier this year. “People really appreciate what we do and I love doing it. If I could do this for the rest of my life I would.”

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of our airman. Lauren will be highly missed,” said Brig. Gen. C.Q. Brown Jr., commander of the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano. “The 31st Fighter Wing will work with her family and others affected by this loss to provide the support and assistance they need.”

An investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding Lagudi’s death is being conducted jointly by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and Pordenone officials.