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Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

MEDIA Preliminary Loss Reports

About Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

PLRs are intended to be used as an engagement tool for leaders to discuss the hazards and trends impacting Soldier safety and readiness. A PLR contains only basic information, as the investigation is ongoing, but provides sufficient background to allow leaders an opportunity to communicate risk at the Soldier level.

 

/ Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Sports & Recreation

PLR 24-091 – Off-Duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

A 39-year-old Sergeant Major assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas, died in an off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishap on South Franklin Mountain, El Paso, Texas, at local. Two Soldiers were hiking when they reached the summit and started their descent. Soldier No. 1 ran out of water, began to feel faint, and sat down. while Soldier No. 2 ran to the bottom of the trail to get more water. When he returned, Soldier No. 1 was no longer there. Soldier No. 2 searched for Soldier No. 1 with no success. He then alerted authorities. The El Paso police and fire departments, state police and a mountain rescue team arrived and found Soldier No. 1 unresponsive, they pronounced Soldier No.1 dead at the scene.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 11 Soldiers a year to off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishaps. This was the eighth fatal off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishap of FY24 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety tip

  • Use the buddy system. You and your companions should discuss a few things before you set out, like how strenuous a hike you're all OK with and your general itinerary.
  • Make an emergency plan. Before heading out, know how you will call or send for help in the unlikely event something bad happens. Remember, you may not have reliable cell service where you are hiking.
  • Drink and carry plenty of water (a minimum of one quart per person every two hours). Although stream, river and lake water may look clean, it can make you ill.
  • Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes to help prevent injury.
  • Don’t walk off-trail. Cutting across switchbacks erodes the hillside and eventually destroys the trail. Plus, walking off-trail increases your chance of suffering an injury or getting lost.
  • Tell a responsible person back at camp or at home where you are going and when you plan on returning. Ask that person to notify local law enforcement if you do not return on time.
  • Never feed or touch wildlife. Do not approach or attempt to move sick or injured wildlife. Report any encounters with aggressive, sick or injured animals to a park ranger.

 

For more information, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/hiking.

 

 

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