Sarah Diane Beckstrom

Sarah Diane Beckstrom, 20, United States Department of Defense – Deputy U.S. Marshal - Army National Guard – West Virginia Army National Guard, West Virginia, passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2025, following a shooting that took place in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.

Sarah was born May 17, 2005 in Sebring, FL to Gary Beckstrom and Evalea Cochran Beckstrom and was a 2023 honor graduate of Webster County High School. She was currently attending Glenville State University where she was pursuing forensic psychology to pursue her career in the FBI. She will be remembered for her laughter, ability to inspire other people, and her smile. She was an observant people-watcher who loved exploring, visiting museums, and reading poetry. She was passionate about animals and would often carry snacks to share with the squirrels. She was a gentle soul who loved and lived deeply and looked for human connections. She loved to share her faith with others, and was shy, quiet, and reserved until she got to know you.

Spc. Beckstrom enlisted in the WV Army National Guard after graduating and finished her basic and advanced training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. She had served with the United States Department of Defense – Army National Guard – West Virginia Army National Guard for over two years and was assigned to the 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade. Her unit was deployed to Washington, D.C. in August for Operation D.C. Safe and Beautiful. She volunteered to stay for the months of November and December and then to work Thanksgiving weekend, giving others an opportunity to spend the holiday with their families. Her military awards include the WV Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, the D.C. Humanitarian Service Medal, the D.C. Distinguished Service Medal, and was made an Honorary Member of the FBI.

In addition to her parents, Sarah is survived by her sisters: Christina and Nicole; brothers: Bryan and Wesley; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her brother Bradley; paternal grandparents Robert and Marilyn Beckstrom; maternal John and Sharon Cochran; and cousins: Corey Bragg, Cody Sidebottom, and Chrissy McKay.

Private Graveside Services with full military honors were held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton.

The family requests memorial contributions be made in Sarah’s memory to Nichols County Humane Society PO Box 272 Summersville, WV 26651 or The Wounded Warrier Project https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.doddreedfh.com.

Dodd & Reed Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Beckstrom family.