Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 19-year-old Private First Class assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, died in a motorcycle mishap 18 April 2026 in Olympia, Washington, at 1410 local. The Soldier was negotiating a curve when he crossed into the northbound lane, collided with another vehicle and then struck an embankment. Local police and emergency medical services personnel responded to the scene, where the Soldier was pronounced dead. The use of personal protective equipment, training, speed, and the involvement of alcohol or drugs are currently unknown. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of 31 Soldiers a year to motorcycle mishaps. This mishap was the ninth motorcycle fatality of FY26 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

Negotiating a curve requires a proactive approach. Once a motorcycle begins to slide or drift due to excessive speed, the laws of physics make it extremely difficult to regain control. Check out the safe curve negotiation techniques below:

• Approach – Reduce speed before entry. Braking while already in the curve shifts vehicle weight and reduces tire traction needed for steering.
• Entry – Look through the curve. Focus your eyes on the exit (the "target area") rather than the road directly in front.
• Mid-curve – Maintain steady throttle. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, which can cause the tires to lose their grip or contact patch with the road.
• Exit – Accelerate gradually. Once the road begins to straighten and the wheels are centered, resume your cruising speed.

A 21-year-old Private Second Class assigned to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in a combat skills/military unique mishap 15 April 2026 on the installation at 1500 local. While in the tactical operations center tent performing mission requirements for the Army Team Leader Academy, the Soldier was struck in the head and neck by a falling branch, resulting in fatal injuries. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of three Soldiers a year to combat skills/military unique mishaps. This mishap was the second combat skills/military unique fatality of FY26 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

A 23-year-old Sergeant assigned to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia, died in an Industrial/Occupational mishap 10 April 2026 on the installation at 1530 local. The Soldier was under a tactical vehicle that suddenly lowered, crushing him. Nearby medics rendered first aid and emergency services were called. The Soldier was transported to Winn Army Community Hospital via ambulance, where he died. Additional information is currently unavailable. The USACRC is investigating the mishap.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of one Soldier a year to Industrial/Occupational mishaps. This mishap was the first Industrial/Occupational fatality of FY26 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

A Private First Class assigned to Fort Stewart, Georgia, died in an automobile mishap 3 January 2026 in Colorado at 1245 local. The Soldier was on leave when the vehicle he was riding in crashed. The unit currently has limited information and is awaiting the police report from authorities in Colorado. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to off-duty automobile mishaps. This was the 16th off-duty automobile fatality of FY26 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

A 35-year-old Sergeant First Class assigned to the Army Interagency Training and Education Center, West Virginia, died in an automobile mishap 16 March 2026 in West Virginia at 1430 local. The Soldier was driving on Interstate 77 at the time of the single-vehicle mishap. Emergency medical services personnel responded to the scene and transported him to Jackson General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Speed, alcohol and drug use are not suspected contributing factors. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to off-duty automobile mishaps. This was the 15th off-duty automobile fatality of FY26 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

Automobile mishaps remain a leading cause of off-duty fatalities for Soldiers. Proactive risk management and disciplined driving habits are critical to ensuring every Soldier arrives alive. To prevent a similar tragedy, all personnel should adhere to the following safety measures:

• Avoid Distractions: Refrain from using a cellphone or any other electronic device while driving. Limit loud music and other conversations or activities that divert your attention from the road. At any given moment, thousands of drivers are using cellphones, creating an enormous potential for deadly crashes.
• Control Your Speed: Obey the posted speed limit and adjust your speed for road, weather and traffic conditions. Excessive speed is a primary factor in vehicle mishaps, especially after midnight.
• Always Wear a Seat Belt: Ensure you and all passengers are properly wearing seat belts. Studies show that seat belts are highly effective in preventing fatalities in a crash. Occupants ejected from a vehicle are four times more likely to suffer fatal injuries.
• Maintain Your Vehicle: Regularly inspect your vehicle's tires, brakes and lights to ensure they are in good working condition. A well-maintained vehicle is a safer vehicle.
• Drive Defensively: Remain alert, maintain a safe following distance and be aware of other drivers' actions. Always have a plan to avoid potential hazards caused by others on the road.