A Sergeant First Class assigned to Fairbanks, Alaska, died in a sports, recreation and physical training mishap 12 August 2021 in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve at 1200 local. This mishap was unobserved and the information is based on details received. The Soldier had been missing since 12 August, but was not scheduled to return until 20 August. His last known inReach message indicated he was crossing Jacksina Creek to access a hunting area. On 16 August, National Park Service (NPS) rangers were notified by the mishap Soldier’s point of contact that he had stopped checking in as pre-arranged. On 17 August, the NPS deployed search teams, and Alaska Wildlife Troopers initiated scans of the area. Helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and ground teams searched the area. On 21 August at 1430 the Soldier was found dead alongside Jacksina Creek. Based on evidence found by searchers, it appears that the Soldier attempted to cross Jacksina Creek and was swept away by the current. His body was recovered and transported to the state medical examiner's office.

Since FY16, the Army has lost an average of 12 Soldiers a year to off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishaps. This tragedy was the eighth fatal off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishap of FY21.

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