A 19-year-old Specialist assigned to U.S. Army Reserve Center, New Jersey, died in an off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishap 30 May 2025 in Taiwan at 1715 local. The Soldier was on leave at a beach when he was pulled out to sea by the current. His body was recovered the following day. 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 fifth 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 third off-duty water-related fatality of FY25. 

Safety Tips

• Only undertake ocean activities when a lifeguard is present.
• Check the water conditions before you go out, paying particular attention to hazards such as rip currents, rocks and shore breaks. If in doubt, don’t go out.
• Swim with a buddy.
• Know your limits and don’t push beyond your abilities.
• It’s important that you know how to swim if you go snorkeling. At a minimum, wear a flotation device.
• Wave heights can increase quickly. If they do, dive underneath the wave, come up behind it and then swim to shore between wave sets.
• Do not go into the ocean under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which greatly increase your risk of drowning.
• If you are caught in a rip current, remain calm and go with the flow – don't fight the current. Once the rip current releases you offshore, swim at an angle away from the current, toward the shore, and call or signal for help.