Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A Sergeant assigned to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, died in a motorcycle mishap 6 July 2025 in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, at 0240 local. The Soldier was traveling northbound when his motorcycle left the roadway in a left-hand curve and struck a guardrail. Local emergency medical services personnel arrived on the scene and pronounced the Soldier dead. He reportedly was not wearing a helmet at the time of the mishap. Additional information is currently unavailable. 

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 30 Soldiers a year to motorcycle mishaps. This mishap was the 22nd motorcycle fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

• Motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. In 2023, there were 6,335 motorcyclists killed — 15% of all traffic fatalities. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data show that this is the highest number of motorcyclists killed since at least 1975.
• Per vehicle miles traveled in 2023, motorcyclists were about 28 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and were five times more likely to be injured. Safe motorcycling takes balance, coordination and good judgment.
• In states without universal helmet laws, based on known helmet use, 54% of motorcyclists killed in 2022 were not wearing helmets, as compared to 11% in states with universal helmet laws.
• Motorcycle riders killed in traffic crashes at night were almost three times more frequently found to be alcohol-impaired than those killed during the day (42% and 16%) in 2022.

Tips provided by NHTSA

A Staff Sergeant assigned to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, died in a motorcycle mishap 8 July 2025 in Lawton, Oklahoma, at 2346 local. The Soldier was traveling eastbound when a passenger vehicle attempted to turn into a residential area, resulting in a collision. He was ejected from his motorcycle and struck a concrete wall. Local emergency medical services personnel responded to the scene and transported the Soldier to Comanche County Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Soldier was reportedly wearing all required personal protective equipment at the time of the mishap. It is currently unknown whether he completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic RiderCourse or possessed a motorcycle endorsement on his driver’s license.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 30 Soldiers a year to motorcycle mishaps. This mishap was the 21st motorcycle fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

Motorcycle safety tips for vehicles turning left in front of you:

• Take a second look to make sure it is safe to proceed.
• Slow down and maintain control of the motorcycle.
• Allow adequate space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• Treat any left-turning vehicle as an immediate threat.
• Stay in your lane and not make an unsafe last-minute lane change.
• Remain idle until it is safe to proceed.
• Do not proceed to turn until all pedestrians and oncoming vehicles and motorcycles are clear.

Tips provided by the NSC, NHTSA and GTSC New York.

A 30-year-old Private First Class assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas, died in an off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishap 2 July 2025 in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, at 1700 local. The Soldier drowned while attempting to swim to shore after falling from his paddleboard during heavy rain. 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 sixth 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 fourth off-duty water-related fatality of FY25.

Safety Tips

• Learn to swim. Basic swimming skills are essential for water safety. Formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning.
• Wear a personal flotation device (PFD): Always wear a life jacket or PFD while paddleboarding to enhance safety.
• Check weather conditions: Before heading out, check the weather forecast and avoid paddling in adverse conditions.
• Use proper equipment: Ensure your paddleboard and gear are in good condition. Carry safety equipment like a whistle and a leash.
• Stay within your skill level: Don’t push yourself beyond your experience and physical abilities. Choose calm waters if you are a beginner.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Keep an eye out for other watercraft and obstacles and be mindful of currents and tides.
• Use the buddy system: Always participate in water activities with a buddy, especially in areas where lifeguards are not present. The buddy system is especially beneficial for people with medical conditions that increase their risk of drowning.

A Specialist assigned to Fort Stewart, Georgia, died in a motorcycle mishap 5 July 2025 in Richmond Hill, Georgia, at 1500 local. The Soldier was operating his motorcycle when a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction turned in front of him, causing a collision. Emergency medical services transported the Soldier to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The incident is under investigation and further details are currently unavailable.  

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 30 Soldiers a year to motorcycle mishaps. This mishap was the 20th motorcycle fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

Motorcycle safety tips for vehicles turning left in front of you:

• Take a second look to make sure it is safe to proceed.
• Slow down and maintain control of the motorcycle.
• Allow adequate space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• Treat any left-turning vehicle as an immediate threat.
• Stay in your lane and not make an unsafe last-minute lane change.
• Remain idle until it is safe to proceed.
• Do not proceed to turn until all pedestrians and oncoming vehicles and motorcycles are clear.

Tips provided by the NSC, NHTSA and GTSC New York.

A 31-year-old Specialist assigned to the U.S. Army Reserve, Clay Kaserne, Germany, died in an Industrial/Occupational mishap 2 July 2025 in Senftenberg, Germany, at 2330 local. The Soldier received a severe electrical shock during a rail escort mission when he contacted overhead power lines while on top of an M2A1 vehicle secured to a rail car. He sustained second- and third-degree burns and was transported to a hospital in Berlin, where he died from his injuries six days later. Additional information is currently available.

Since FY20, the Army has lost two Soldiers to Industrial/Occupational mishaps. This mishap was the first Industrial/Occupational Soldier fatality of FY25 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year. 

Safety Tips

• Consider potential electrical hazards: Before any activity near power lines, conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate safety measures.
• Assume power lines are energized: Always treat all power lines as if they are live and dangerous, regardless of whether you believe they are insulated.
• Maintain a safe distance in accordance with Technical Manual (TM) 4-14.21, Table 6-1: When performing work near electrical power lines, including loading and unloading operations, the required clearance shown below will be maintained between personnel, their tools and equipment, and the nearest power line.

1. Operating Voltage: 0 – 5,000 requires a minimum distance of 4 feet
2. Operating Voltage: 5,000 – 15,500 requires a minimum distance of 6 feet
3. Operating Voltage: 15,500 – 25,000 requires a minimum distance of 7.5 feet
4. Operating Voltage: 25,000 – 35,000 requires a minimum distance of 9 feet
5. Operating Voltage: 35,000 – 50,000 requires a minimum distance of 12 feet
6. Note: For voltages over 50,000 volts, add one-half inch for each 1,000 volts.

• When unable to maintain the required clearance distance near power lines: Leadership and safety professionals must notify the installation power or controlling authority and have them turn off the power supply for the affected area. Do not start any work until authorized by the installation power or the controlling authority. Do not turn the power back on until authorized by a supervisor.
• When unable to maintain the required distance near signal lines: If performing work near a 2,400-volt or greater signal line that does not permit the clearance outlined, leadership and safety professionals must notify the signalman to switch the power off on that portion of the line. Do not start work until the signalman says that the power has been switched off. Make sure the signalman understands not to switch power on again until advised by the supervisor in charge of the work. If the power is switched off, equipment will be kept at least one-half the clearance distance indicated, but in no case may the clearance be less than 4 feet.
• Look up and be aware: Before you start climbing or working, always scan the area and identify the location of all overhead power lines. Be especially cautious around trees, as branches can obscure power lines.
• Have a spotter and maintain clear communication: When working at heights or near power lines, a spotter can help maintain a safe distance and communicate any potential hazards.
• Train all railhead personnel: Ensure everyone working on or around the railhead operation site is properly trained on hazards, including electrical hazards, and safe work practices.
• Oversight: Railhead safety officers and safety noncommissioned officers must exercise overall supervision and management of rail operations, including training and safety responsibilities in accordance with Army Regulation 56-3.