PULLMAN, WA – The man who barricaded himself in an apartment near Washington State University after threatening to kill his two roommates early Thursday morning has been identified. Whitman County Coroner Annie Pillers says the 36-year-old man who died as the result of a gunshot wound is Brent Lee Kopacka.
The University alerted students on the south side of campus to shelter in place early Thursday morning because of the standoff which began just before 9:00 p.m. Wednesday night. According to police, Kopacka barricaded himself in the apartment in the 1000 block of Southeast Latah Street and gunshots had been exchanged between him and the Whitman County Regional SWAT team.
The building was evacuated at 3:48 a.m. due to a fire which was started inside the apartment which Kopacka was in. At 4:23 a.m., police reported that Kopacka was down as the result of a shot fired by a member of the SWAT team.
According to family members, Kopacka had suffered a traumatic brain injury during combat in Afghanistan which led to a 16-year ongoing battle with severe PTSD.
Obituary From Family:
Brent was born on October 4, 1986. Survived by Mother, Darcie Nixon and Stepfather, David Nixon, and Father, John F. Kopacka and Stepmother, Dawn M. Kopacka. Brent was the oldest sibling to Tori L. Davey, Zackery J. Kopacka, Ethan J. Kopacka, Evan M. Kopacka and Ellowyn O. Kopacka, and Uncle to 3 Nephews and 1 Niece.
Brent proudly served in the US Army from 2005 – 2009 in the 2nd Battalion, 508TH Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. Brent was awarded the Purple Heart for his service in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. By volunteering to serve in the United States Army during time of war, Brent proved himself to be not only a man of great dedication, but also a selfless servant of the people of our nation. Brent epitomized the values and standards that all Paratroopers strive to achieve. Brent’s valor in the face of the enemy is a great credit to his character.
Those who knew Brent knew him as a loving, caring and a very loyal friend. He was loved by his family and friends. Brent always enjoyed remembering people on their birthdays and special occasions. Brent enjoyed the outdoors. He would send pictures and updates to friends and loved ones of new places and new adventures he was on. He loved to experience new places, so it was hard for him to settle in one place. Brent made friends everywhere he went while always staying in touch with the old.
Over the course of the past 16 years, Brent fought a courageous battle against PTSD, but in the end he couldn’t break free.
“Please learn all you can about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) so you will have an understanding of the toll it takes on our Veterans, their families, and their friends… Make sure your loved ones seek the help they need.”
PHOTO courtesy of https://www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com/obituary/brent-kopacka
