The Army has identified the soldier found dead in his barracks room Monday on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson as Spec. Christopher R. Crosby, 23, of Wilmington, Mass.

Crosby's death is under investigation by military authorities. The Army said Wednesday he died of a gunshot wound.

He was found in his barracks by two noncommissioned officers who came to check on his welfare after he failed to appear for morning physical training routines.

Crosby, a paratrooper, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment of the 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team. Crosby joined the Army in June 2008 and took airborne training at Fort Benning, Ga. He arrived at Fort Richardson in March.

An Army spokesman said records show Crosby has never been deployed overseas.

Reach Richard Mauer at rmauer@adn.com or 257-4345.