{"id":28064,"date":"2020-05-13T18:11:05","date_gmt":"2020-05-13T18:11:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/militarytimes\/uncategorized\/2020\/05\/13\/peterson-afb-commander-found-dead-at-home\/"},"modified":"2026-08-07T20:18:04","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T20:18:04","slug":"peterson-afb-commander-found-dead-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/militarytimes\/news\/your-military\/2020\/05\/13\/peterson-afb-commander-found-dead-at-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Peterson AFB commander found dead at home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Col. Thomas Falzarano, commander of the 21st Space Wing<\/a> at Peterson Air Force Base<\/a>, died at his home on base Tuesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Falzarano was found unresponsive and was pronounced dead at home, the wing said in a statement to Air Force Times. His death is now under investigation, but the 21st said<\/a> it appears to be due to natural causes. He was 47 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no indication Falzarano had contracted COVID-19, the wing said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As commander of the 21st, Falzarano served as the installation commander for both Peterson and Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station. He graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1994.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are deeply saddened by this tragic loss for our Air and Space Force family,\u201d Gen. Jay Raymond, chief of space operations, said in the statement. \u201cTom was an incredible leader, mentor and friend who will be remembered for his warm personality and dedicated service to our nation. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to his family, friends and all members of the 21st Space Wing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Falzarano assumed command of the 21st, which is the Air Force\u2019s fifth-largest wing, in July 2019. His vice commander, Col. Sam Johnson, has assumed command of the wing.<\/p>\n\n\n