A 37-year-old assigned to Vicenza, Italy, died in and off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishap 19 April 2025 in Bosnia, at 2000 local. The Soldier was hiking when he slipped and fell into a ravine.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of nine Soldiers a year to off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishaps. This was the second fatal off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishap of FY25 and above the number of off-duty sports, recreation and physical training fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety tip

• Use the buddy system.
• 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. 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.
• Never feed or touch wildlife.

For more information, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov.