Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 25-year-old Soldier stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, died in a swimming mishap 11 May 2019 at Lake Crescent, Washington, at 2130 local. He was camping with another Soldier when he drowned while swimming.

A Staff Sergeant assigned to U.S. Army Special Operations Command died in an Army combat vehicle mishap 15 May 2019 at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, Louisiana, at 0300 local. The Soldier was riding as a passenger in the rear of an M1165 up-armored HMMWV when it overturned on a gravel downgrade during rotational training on the reservation.

ENGAGEMENT TIPS:

While the investigation into this mishap is ongoing, the following tips are based on historical information for like events that could prevent future vehicle mishaps and mitigate injuries:

• Convoy commanders, ensure your convoy briefings include safe following distances and speeds appropriate for the conditions. Leaders and vehicle commanders, remain vigilant in enforcing them.


• Vehicle commanders, ensure all vehicle occupants are utilizing seat belts/restraint systems before moving the vehicle. Seat belts save lives!


• Are the Evil Eight creeping into your unit’s operations? The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center has released a new exportable loss prevention awareness briefing to arm Soldiers and leaders with the knowledge necessary to mitigate on- and off-duty mishaps. Click here to check it out: Evil Eight

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A 32-year-old Specialist assigned to 3rd Infantry Division died in a PMV-4 mishap 29 April 2019 on Georgia Service Route 144 at 0615 local. The Soldier was inside his vehicle on the road shoulder, awaiting assistance for a flat tire, when he was struck from behind by an approaching motorist. He was wearing a seat belt but died from his injuries at the hospital.

ENGAGEMENT TIPS:

• If you get a flat tire while operating your vehicle or experience some other vehicle malfunction, when possible, continue to operate the vehicle at a safe speed until you are able to safely pull off the road and away from traffic hazards.


• If you are unable to completely pull off the road, exit the vehicle and move away from traffic hazards.

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A 31-year-old Warrant Officer assigned to U.S. Army Forces Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, died in a PMV-2 mishap 23 April 2019 in Arlington, Virginia, at 0159 local. The Soldier was operating his sport-model motorcycle at a high rate of speed on Interstate 395 North when he left the roadway, struck a concrete Jersey barrier, crossed the opposing lanes and crashed. He was thrown from the motorcycle, which caught fire during the crash sequence. The Soldier was deemed an experienced rider, having completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Experienced RiderCourse in August 2016, and was wearing personal protective equipment, but died at the scene.

ENGAGEMENT TIPS:

• In 2016, 33 percent of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding, compared to 19 percent for passenger car drivers.


• Motorcycle riders killed in traffic crashes at night were three times more frequently alcohol impaired than those killed during the day in 2016.

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A 34-year-old Sergeant First Class assigned to Special Forces Command, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, died in a boating mishap 14 April 2019 on Joe’s Bayou at 1330 local. The Soldier was operating his 20-foot center-console boat when he and his passenger were thrown overboard in rough waters after reportedly experiencing a steering problem. Personal flotation devices were available, but their use has not been confirmed. Alcohol was not associated with the mishap.

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