US-based Guyanese dies while on military duty in South Korea

[NJ.com] – Gov. Phil Murphy ordered all flags in New Jersey to be lowered on Monday in honor of a 21-year-old U.S. airman from North Brunswick who was found dead in his dormitory while on active duty.

Richard “Rico” Asey Samaroo served in the U.S. Air Force in the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron as an electrical power production technician. He was found dead on Nov. 2 while stationed at the Osan Air Base in South Korea, military officials said in a release.

The cause of his death was still under investigation, said military officials on Thursday. He was born in Guyana and came to the United States in 2003, according to his obituary.

A funeral procession took place Friday morning through his hometown to the Brig. General BG William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown.

Samaroo previously resided in New Brunswick, Parsippany, Flemington throughout his life. He attended Livingston Park Elementary, Linwood Middle School and North Brunswick High School where he graduated in 2017 with honors, his obituary said.

“Our Mustang family mourns the loss of Richard,” said Col. John Gonzales, a 51st Fighter Wing commander. “Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.”