A preliminary autopsy report has shown that the 20-year-old Austrian recruit’s death at the Flugfeldkaserne military base in Wiener Neustadt, Austria had consumed cannabis, ecstasy, and antidepressants in the weeks leading up to his death. The report revealed that these substances were detected in the blood, urine, and hair of the deceased.
The young recruit, whose identity has not been released, was shot and killed on January 6th by a superior officer. The details surrounding the shooting are still under investigation, and it remains unclear whether the recruit was under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident.
Erich Habitzl, a spokesperson for the Wiener Neustadt public prosecutor’s office, stated that “it was not possible to find out” whether the recruit was under the influence of drugs at the time of his death. However, traces of painkillers and other medications were found in the toxicology report of the superior officer who had shot the recruit. An expert explained that these substances were consistent with the medications that the 54-year-old officer had received after the incident.
The Austrian military, also known as the Bundesheer, has not released any information regarding the status of the superior officer who fired the fatal shot. Bundesheer spokesperson Michael Bauer stated that he could not confirm whether the officer had returned to duty, but added that “there would be nothing against him returning to duty for us.”
The preliminary autopsy report also revealed that the cause of the recruit’s death was a gunshot wound to the chest. Habitzl explained that the recruit had inhaled blood through the lung wound and subsequently suffocated.
The results of the preliminary autopsy report have sparked controversy and renewed calls for drug testing in the Austrian military. Some politicians and military officials have expressed concern over the prevalence of drug use among recruits and officers.
The incident has also raised questions about the mental and emotional well-being of soldiers in the Austrian military. Many military experts have pointed out that soldiers are often exposed to high levels of stress, trauma, and other mental health challenges, which can contribute to drug use and other risky behaviors.
The Austrian military has previously acknowledged the importance of addressing mental health concerns among its personnel. In a statement released in 2020, the Bundesheer emphasized the need for “systematic measures” to address mental health issues in the military, including increased support for soldiers and improved access to mental health services.
The incident at the Flugfeldkaserne military base has drawn attention to the complex challenges faced by soldiers and military personnel, and has highlighted the need for greater awareness and support for mental health and substance abuse issues in the military.
As the investigation into the shooting and the circumstances surrounding the recruit’s death continue, many are calling for greater accountability and transparency from the Austrian military. The incident has raised important questions about the role of drugs, mental health, and other factors in military culture, and has prompted renewed efforts to address these issues and promote greater understanding and support for those who serve in the military.