Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A Department of the Army Civilian assigned to Naval Support Activity Mid-South, Millington, Tennessee, died in an Industrial/Occupational mishap 11 May 2026 at 0820 local. The employee was operating a forklift outside with a pallet of recyclables when it tipped over off the sidewalk, pinning him underneath. While there were no direct witnesses to the mishap, a Navy service member driving by noticed the overturned forklift, stopped to help and called 911. Two additional personnel arrived and also attempted to assist. Emergency medical services responded, removed the employee from under the forklift and transported him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The USACRC is leading the mishap investigation.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of one Department of the Army Civilian a year to Industrial/Occupational mishaps. This was the second on-duty Industrial/Occupational fatality of FY26 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

If a forklift begins to tip off a sidewalk or edge, the operator has approximately two seconds to react. Attempting to jump clear is the leading cause of fatalities.

• Stay Inside: Never jump. The overhead guard/Rollover Protection System is designed to protect you if you stay within the cab.
• Grip the Wheel: Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands to keep your body centered.
• Brace Your Feet: Press your feet firmly against the floorboards to stabilize your torso.
• Lean Away: Lean your body in the opposite direction of the tip.

A 40-year-old Active Guard Reserve Sergeant First Class assigned to the National Guard Bureau died in an automobile mishap 1 May 2026 in Lincoln County, Mississippi, at 0845 local. The Soldier’s vehicle was struck by another vehicle. The other driver, a Soldier on orders for drill weekend, sustained minor injuries. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to automobile mishaps. This was the 19th off-duty automobile fatality of FY26 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

Defensive driving is the primary tool for mitigating risks at intersections, where nearly 36 percent of all traffic crashes occur. Your safety depends on anticipation, situational awareness, and scanning before and during your entry into the intersection.

• Scanning – Look left, right, then left again.
• Anticipation – Expect the unexpected. Never assume another driver will stop. Observe the speed and "body language" of approaching vehicles to see if they are actually slowing down.
• Right-of-Way – Don't insist on it. Having the legal right-of-way does not protect you from impact. If an approaching vehicle seems unlikely to stop, yield to preserve your life.
• Distractions – Intersections require 100 percent of your cognitive load. Lower the radio volume and put away devices to better hear and see cross-traffic.

A Sergeant assigned to East Camp, Grafenwohr, Germany, died in an automobile mishap 2 May 2026 in Italy at 0435 local. Two Soldiers were involved in a vehicle mishap with a semi-truck. One of the Soldiers sustained fatal injuries. Local police are conducting an investigation. Speed, seat belt use, and alcohol or drug involvement are currently unknown.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to automobile mishaps. This was the 18th off-duty automobile fatality of FY26 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

A Specialist assigned to Smith Barracks, Germany, died in an automobile mishap 25 April 2026 in Idar-Oberstein, Germany, at 0100 local. The Soldier’s vehicle struck a guardrail before entering oncoming traffic, where it collided with a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. German police are conducting an investigation. Speed, seat belt use, and alcohol or drug involvement are currently unknown.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to automobile mishaps. This was the 17th off-duty automobile fatality of FY26 and equal to the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

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.