Who Is Death of LaVena Johnson? Age, Biography and Wiki
LaVena Johnson was born on July 27, 1985. As of 2025, she would have turned 40 years old. A dedicated soldier, she enlisted in the U.S. Army after completing high school, reaching the rank of Private First Class. Tragically, LaVena was found deceased in a tent at Balad Air Base in Iraq in July 2005. The circumstances of her death were controversial, leading to widespread speculation and investigations over the years.
| Occupation | Soldiers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 27, 1985 |
| Age | 19 Years |
| Birth Place | Florissant, Missouri, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | Iraq |
| Date of death | 19 July, 2005 |
| Died Place | Balad, Saladin Governorate, Iraq |
Popularity
Death of LaVena Johnson's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
LaVena Johnson had a striking presence, standing at approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing around 130 pounds. Her measurements contributed to her athletic build, which was befitting of a soldier, showcasing her commitment to physical fitness and discipline throughout her military career.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Details about LaVena's family life indicate a close-knit network. She was born to a supportive family who deeply mourned her loss. As for her relationship status, there is limited public information about her dating life. It is known that LaVena was focused on her military career during her service, and there are no verified reports of a boyfriend or girlfriend at the time of her death.
Johnson's death was officially ruled a suicide by the Department of Defense. However, her father became suspicious when he saw her body in the funeral home and decided to investigate. Initially the Army refused to release information, but did so under the Freedom of Information Act after Representative William Lacy Clay, Jr.
raised questions about it at the congressional hearings over Pat Tillman's death.
Net Worth and Salary
Due to the circumstances surrounding her death and the time elapsed since then, specific financial details regarding LaVena Johnson's net worth are not widely documented. However, as a Private First Class in the U.S. Army, her salary at the time of her passing would have been modest, typical for military personnel on active duty.
Career, Business and Investments
LaVena Johnson's career in the U.S. Army was unfortunately cut short by her premature death. She had expressed a desire to advance her career within the military. There is no significant information about personal business ventures or investments, as her life's focus was heavily on her service and training.
Social Network
Given the time of her service and the tragic events of her passing, LaVena Johnson's presence on social media and the internet was limited. However, following her death, many advocacy groups, family members, and supporters have utilized platforms like Facebook and Twitter to raise awareness about her case and advocate for justice, amplifying her story and the need for transparency regarding military personnel welfare.
Following a February 2007 KMOV news report on Johnson's death, an online petition addressed to the House Armed Services Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee was launched, closing with 37,319 supporters.
This was followed by the creation of an official LaVena Johnson website dedicated to developments in prompting a new Army investigation of her death. The petition closed on May 24, 2008, with nearly 12,000 signatures; preparations are being made for delivery to the two committees.
In July 2008, the online black activist group Color of Change launched another online petition calling on Henry Waxman, chair of the House Oversight Committee, to conduct a hearing into LaVena Johnson's death and the Army's handling of her case and others like it.
A documentary film about LaVena Johnson's family's struggle for justice was made in 2010, directed by Joan Brooker and titled LaVena Johnson: The Silent Truth.
Education
LaVena Johnson completed her high school education before enlisting in the U.S. Army. While her educational background beyond high school is not extensively documented, her commitment to military training and her role as a soldier indicates a level of education consistent with military standards.
Johnson enlisted in the Army on September 15, 2004, after graduating from Hazelwood Central High School. She was deployed to Iraq and stationed in Balad. She had been there for eight weeks before her death on July 19, 2005, eight days before her 20th birthday.
