The airman who died in an on-duty incident with a gun Sunday at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne has been identified as a 21-year-old from Kentucky, according to an Air Force statement and his obituary.
The Air Force wing overseeing the base also confirmed that the man’s death involved a gunshot.
Brayden Lovan, 21, was a defender assigned to the 90th Security Forces Squadron, 90th Security Forces Group, said the 90th Missile Wing in a Thursday statement, adding that he died around 1:30 a.m. Sunday.
“Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Airman Lovan,” Col. Jeremy Sheppard, 90th Security Forces Group commander, said in the statement. “We mourn the loss of a valued defender, teammate and friend. Our focus remains on supporting the family and team during this incredibly difficult time.
“In moments like these, we are reminded of the strength of our military community and the community we live in, coming together to grieve, honor and care for one another.”
Lovan entered active duty Nov. 6, 2023, serving at F. E. Warren Air Force Base for his first assignment, the statement says.
He had been assigned to the 90th Security Forces Squadron since May 8, 2024.
The statement says the incident involved a firearm discharge that is under investigation by Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) Safety office in collaboration with the Air Force Security Forces Center and Headquarters Air Force Security Forces.
The Air Force Global Strike Command, which oversees Air Force bases, announced Monday that it is suspending the use of the Sig Sauer M18 pistol, a member of the P320 family.
Reports of unintentional firings by Sig P320 firearms have compounded nationally in recent months.
Security Forces Combat Arms airmen at all AFGSC bases will conduct 100% inspections of the M18 handguns to identify any immediate safety concerns, the statement says.
“At this time, no determination has been made regarding the nature of the discharge,” it adds.
Who He Was
Lovan hails from Greenville, Kentucky, according to his obituary posted by Bibbs Funeral Home in Greenville.
“Brayden served his country proudly in the 90th Security Forces Group, 90 Security Forces Squadron as a Remote Targeting Engagement System Operator and worked inside the Weapons Storage Area in Cheyenne,” it says.
He also was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville, played football and basketball, and ran track and field, his obituary says.
Lovan loved ATV riding with his friends, fishing, camping, jet skiing, hunting and playing PlayStation, says the obituary.
Clair McFarland can be reached at clair@cowboystatedaily.com.
