Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 34-year-old Private First Class assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishap 24 May 2025 in Raeford, North Carolina, at 1300 local. The Soldier was discovered submerged underwater at his community pool and then retrieved by other patrons arriving at the scene. He was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of nine Soldiers a year to off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishaps. This mishap was the fourth off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training fatality of FY25 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year. This was also the second off-duty water-related fatality of FY25.

Safety Tips

• Learn to swim. Basic swimming skills are essential for water safety. Formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning.
• Be aware of your limits. Don't push yourself beyond your capabilities, especially if you are a weaker swimmer. If you are a weak swimmer, wear a life jacket.
• Obey pool rules and signs. Public pools may have different rules regarding conduct and play, including allowed toys and attire. Pool rules are designed to protect swimmers, so follow them.
• Avoid alcohol. Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming or other water activities. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination.
• Use the buddy system. Always swim with a buddy. Choose swimming sites that have lifeguards when possible. The buddy system is especially beneficial for people with medical conditions that increase their risk of drowning.
• Take additional precautions for medical conditions. Know if your medical condition might increase your risk for drowning and take extra care. Take extra precautions around water if you or a family member have other conditions that can increase the risk of drowning.
• Consider the effects of medications. Avoid swimming if you take medications that impair your balance, coordination or judgment. These side effects increase the risk of drowning.
• Don't hyperventilate or hold your breath for a long time. Do not hyperventilate before swimming underwater or try to hold your breath underwater for long periods of time. This can cause you to pass out and drown. This is sometimes called "hypoxic blackout" or "shallow-water blackout.”

The Off-Duty Safety Awareness Presentation includes a section dedicated to water-related activities that contains statistics, contributing factors, prevention tips and other relevant information. You can download the full presentation or the Water-Related Activities breakout from the In the Spotlight Series at https://safety.army.mil/ODSAP.

A 24-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas, died in a motorcycle mishap 19 May 2025 in El Paso, Texas, at 0130 local. The Soldier recently purchased the motorcycle without notifying his command or registering it with the unit. Additionally, he had not completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic RiderCourse. The Soldier was wearing a helmet; however, information regarding the use of other personal protective equipment, speed and potential factors such as alcohol or drug use is currently unavailable. 

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 30 Soldiers a year to motorcycle mishaps. This mishap was the 17th motorcycle fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

• Never exceed the speed limit or ride beyond your capabilities.
• Always maintain an appropriate speed relative to the road conditions.
• Wear protective gear, such as helmets and proper clothing.
• Obey traffic lights, signs, speed limits and lane markings.
• Ride with the flow of traffic and leave plenty of room between your bike and other vehicles.
• Stay focused on the road.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Watch out for pedestrians.
• Anticipate the actions of other drivers.
• Use your turn signals to alert other drivers of your movements.
• Check your blind spots before changing lanes or making turns.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 35% of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2022 in the U.S. were speeding, compared to 22% for passenger car drivers, 15% for light-truck drivers and 6% for large-truck drivers. To date in FY25, 56% of all fatal motorcycle mishaps in the Army involved speeding.

A 28-year-old Sergeant assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, died in a motorcycle mishap 16 May 2025 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at 2200 local. The Soldier was riding his motorcycle when he collided with another vehicle at an intersection. He recently purchased the bike without informing his command, did not have a motorcycle endorsement on his driver's license and had not completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic RiderCourse. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 30 Soldiers a year to motorcycle mishaps. This mishap was the 16th motorcycle fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

A valid Colorado motorcycle license or endorsement is required to legally operate a motorcycle on public roads in Colorado. Operating a motorcycle without a valid license is illegal and can result in penalties.

Per Army Regulation 385-10:

Prior to operating any two- or three-wheeled vehicle that requires the operator to be licensed with a motorcycle endorsement in the state or host nation, Soldiers will successfully complete the Basic RiderCourse. Training may be accomplished on a contractor-provided motorcycle or the individual’s own motorcycle. If approved by the commander, the Soldier may ride a motorcycle to the training site or location.

There is a significant link between motorcycle fatalities and lack of training, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A substantial percentage of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes are unlicensed or lack formal training. Specifically, NHTSA reports that 34% of motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes in 2023 were riding without valid motorcycle licenses. Additionally, 92% of motorcycle accidents involve drivers who did not complete formal motorcycle safety training.

A 61-year-old lieutenant colonel assigned to Sgt. Charles R. Long United States Army Reserve Center, Independence, Missouri, died in a Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishap 12 May 2025 in Maries County, Missouri, at 1945 local. The Soldier was driving his privately owned utility task vehicle (UTV) on a gravel road when he lost control and struck a tree. Additional information is currently available.   

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of nine Soldiers a year to off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishaps. This mishap was the third off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training fatality of FY25 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year.   

Safety Tips

• Adhere to speed limits and adjust speed based on the terrain and conditions.
• Always wear a seat belt when operating a UTV.
• Make wide turns and avoid sharp maneuvers, especially on uneven ground.
• When reversing, use a spotter if necessary and always look behind you.
• Drive straight up or down hills to prevent rollover accidents.
• Slow down to turn.
• Use four-wheel drive, if available, and slow speeds on slippery surfaces to prevent skidding.
• Maintain payloads within weight limits and secure them for travel.
• Always wear a helmet and other protective gear.
• Familiarize yourself with the terrain and its challenges before riding.
• Consider wearing a protective suit if riding alone.

A 19-year-old Specialist assigned to the Arkansas Army National Guard, Camp Robinson, Arkansas, died in a PMV-4 mishap 4 May 2025 in Little Rock, Arkansas, at 1900 local. The Soldier was driving to his home of record from battle assembly weekend when he rear-ended a stopped tractor-trailer. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 18th PMV-4 fatality of FY25 and below the number of PMV-4 fatalities for this time last year.

Safety Tips

Drowsy driving kills, but it is preventable. Read below for three factors commonly associated with drowsy-driving crashes and pick up some helpful tips to avoid falling asleep at the wheel.

Crashes and Fatalities

Sleepiness can result in crashes any time of the day or night, but three factors are most commonly associated with drowsy-driving crashes. Drowsy-driving crashes:

1. Occur most frequently between midnight and 6 a.m., or in the late afternoon. At both times of the day, people experience dips in their circadian rhythm — the human body’s internal clock that regulates sleep.
2. Often involve only a single driver (and no passengers) running off the road at a high rate of speed with no evidence of braking.
3. Frequently occur on rural roads and highways.

How to Avoid Driving Drowsy

1. Getting adequate sleep on a daily basis is the only true way to protect yourself against the risks of driving when you’re drowsy. Experts urge consumers to make it a priority to get seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
2. Before the start of a long family car trip, get a good night’s sleep, or you could put your entire family and others at risk.
3. Many teens do not get enough sleep at a stage in life when their biological need for sleep increases, which makes them vulnerable to the risk of drowsy-driving crashes, especially on longer trips. Advise your teens to delay driving until they’re well-rested.
4. Avoid drinking any alcohol before driving. Consumption of alcohol interacts with sleepiness to increase drowsiness and impairment.
5. Always check your prescription and over-the-counter medication labels to see if drowsiness could result from their use.
6. If you take medications that could cause drowsiness as a side effect, use public transportation when possible.
7. If you drive, avoid driving during the peak sleepiness periods (midnight – 6 a.m. and late afternoon). If you must drive during the peak sleepiness periods, stay vigilant for signs of drowsiness, such as crossing over roadway lines or hitting a rumble strip, especially if you’re driving alone.