Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 26-year-old Staff Sergeant assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, died in an off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishap 17 May 2024 in Cascade Ridge, Washington, at 1745 local. The Soldier was hiking and fell 400 feet off a cliff. It was reported the Soldier lost contact with people that knew he would be hiking. Search-and-rescue personnel tracked the Soldier's location via GPS and discovered his body.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 12 Soldiers a year to off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishaps. This mishap was the second off-duty sports, recreation and physical training fatality of FY24 and the same number of fatalities as this time last year.

Safety tip

Hiking Safety

• Take your time and watch your step – Be careful and watch where you are walking, especially on slippery areas or near cliffs. Stick to dry paths and solid rock areas with good footing.
• Don’t get too distracted – Pay attention when taking photos, videos or just looking at the scenery. Watch your step. There will often be uneven ground, holes, bumps on rocks and stumps near the cliff’s edge. Tripping can cause a fall as easily as slipping.
• Only use the designated paths – Take notice of any warning signs and fences in place, be responsible and don’t take any unnecessary risks.
• Make sure that you are properly equipped for walking along paths – Remember to wear sturdy shoes or boots and check the weather forecast. Carry a fully charged mobile phone and tell someone where you are going and what time you will be home.
• Do not attempt to climb up or down cliffs – Unless you are properly equipped and trained to do so, do not attempt to climb cliffs as a shortcut back to the top.
• Stay away from the bottom of cliffs – When standing at the bottom of a cliff, we always advise people that they should not stand less than the height of the cliff away. That means that if the cliff is 25 meters high, don’t go closer than 25 meters toward it.

A 33-year-old Captain assigned to Camp Humphreys, Korea, died in a PMV-2 mishap 21 May 2024 in Pyeongtaek, Republic of Korea, at 1750 local. The Soldier was riding his motorcycle home from work and was reportedly involved in a traffic accident. First responders arrived on scene, performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation and transported the Soldier to the local university hospital. Upon arrival, the attending physician pronounced the Soldier dead. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including the accident sequence details, completion of the required Motorcycle Safety Foundation training, licensing, the Soldier’s use of personal protective equipment, speed or the involvement of alcohol as contributing factors, are currently unknown. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for law enforcement to release its final report.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 28 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 21st PMV-2 fatality of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

Understanding Motorcycle Laws in South Korea
Before you rev your engine, familiarize yourself with the motorcycle laws in South Korea to ride confidently and responsibly. Riding a motorcycle in South Korea comes with specific laws and regulations that you need to be aware of to ensure a safe and legally compliant journey.

One important law to note is that motorcycles are not allowed on highways in South Korea. You must stay in the right-hand lane when riding in the city. City riding can be challenging, as drivers can be aggressive. It is recommended to ride on the open roads outside of the cities, where traffic is more predictable, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery.

If you plan to ride in South Korea, it is crucial to understand the traffic laws and driving regulations. This includes knowledge of traffic signals and directions, traffic lanes, right-of-way, speed limits, passing, driving through intersections and parking. Being familiar with these rules will help you navigate the roads safely and avoid any unnecessary accidents.

Motorcycle, Moped and Bicycle Safety Rules
In addition to the general traffic laws, there are specific safety rules that apply to motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles in South Korea. These rules are designed to ensure the safety of not only the riders but also other road users.

Some key safety rules to keep in mind include wearing a helmet at all times, using appropriate hand signals when turning or changing lanes and obeying all traffic laws. It is also important to be cautious around pedestrians, as they may expect vehicles to yield to them.

By following the laws and practicing safe riding techniques, you can have a memorable and enjoyable motorcycle trip in South Korea while prioritizing safety for yourself and others on the road.

Motorcycle Laws

• No motorcycles allowed on highways
• Stay in the right-hand lane in the city
• Follow traffic signals and directions
• Observe right-of-way rules
• Adhere to speed limits
• Pass safely and legally
• Follow rules for driving through intersections
• Park in designated areas

Motorcycle Safety Rules

• Wear a helmet at all times
• Use hand signals when turning or changing lanes
• Obey all traffic laws
• Be cautious around pedestrians

Riding Safely in South Korea
Stay safe and prepared throughout your motorcycle trip in South Korea by following these essential safety tips and guidelines. Understanding the unique traffic laws and driving regulations in South Korea is crucial for a smooth and hassle-free ride. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

1. Be cautious around pedestrians: In South Korea, pedestrians may expect vehicles to yield to them. Always be aware of pedestrians and give them the right of way when necessary.
2. Stay aware of other vehicles: South Korean roads can be busy and crowded. Pay attention to other vehicles around you, anticipate their movements, and drive defensively to avoid potential accidents.
3. Follow traffic laws: Familiarize yourself with the traffic signals, right-of-way rules, and speed limits in South Korea. Adhere to the laws and regulations to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.
4. Plan your routes: Before embarking on your motorcycle journey, plan your routes carefully. Avoid busy city areas where drivers may be aggressive, and instead opt for open roads outside the cities. This will not only make your ride more enjoyable but also reduce the risk of accidents.

Tips provided by Daniel Shakibaie Pack up and Ride
20 Tips & Laws to know before your Motorcycle trip in South Korea (packupandride.com)

A 23-year-old First Lieutenant assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, died in a combat skills/military unique mishap 11 May 2024 at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Johnson, Louisiana, at 0550 local. While conducting defensive operations in an urban training environment, the Soldier fell approximately 43 feet from the roof to the basement in a simulated elevator shaft located in a training structure. Medical personnel pronounced the Soldier dead at the scene. The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center is leading an investigation into the mishap.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of four Soldiers a year to combat skills/military unique mishaps. This mishap was the first combat skills/military unique fatality of FY24

A 24-year-old First Lieutenant assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas, died in a privately owned weapons (POW) mishap 28 March 2024 in El Paso, Texas, at 2100 local. The Soldier was drinking at a friend’s house when he accidentally shot himself in the right cheek with his friend’s pistol. He was transported to the local hospital and pronounced dead upon arrival.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of three Soldiers a year to POW mishaps. This tragedy was the first POW fatality of FY24.

Safety tip

1. Treat every weapon as if it were loaded.
   This is the most important of all the safety rules. By treating all weapons as though they were loaded, mishaps can be avoided. “I didn’t know the gun was loaded” is the poorest excuse for carelessness.
2. Don’t trust the safety mechanisms.
   Although these devices are designed to mechanically prevent a weapon from firing, they are mechanical and subject to wear. Always keep the safety “ON” when not shooting, but remember it is not a 100 percent guarantee against the weapon firing.
3. Always make sure a weapon is cleared before handling or cleaning.
   Because it is impossible to determine whether a weapon is loaded just by looking at it, never assume or take another’s word that it is empty - MAKE SURE! It only takes a second to check, and the time spent may save a life. Whenever you pick up a firearm, immediately engage the safety device if possible, and if the weapon has a magazine, remove it before opening the action and looking into the chamber(s), which should be clear of ammunition. If you do not know how to open the action or inspect the chamber(s), leave the firearm alone and get help from someone who does.
4. Unload weapons when not in use.
   Unloaded weapons cannot discharge even if they fall into unfamiliar hands.
5. Always keep the weapon pointed in a safe direction.
   A safe direction means that the firearm is pointed so that even if it were to go off it would not cause injury or damage. The key to this rule is to control where the muzzle or front end of the barrel is pointed at all times. When this practice is conscientiously followed, injuries, damage, or even death may be avoided should you accidentally discharge the weapon.
6. Point weapons only at targets you intend to shoot.
   Never point a gun at yourself or another person. Insist that others abide by this rule.
7. Avoid horseplay.
   Firearms are deadly and must be treated with the respect they deserve. They are not toys and should not be treated as if they were.
8. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
   When holding a firearm, rest your finger on the trigger guard until you are actually ready to fire.
9. Be sure the firearm is safe to operate.
   Just like other tools, firearms need regular maintenance to remain operable. If there is any question concerning a firearm's ability to function, a knowledgeable gunsmith should look at it.
10. Know how to use the firearm safely.
    Before handling a firearm, learn how it operates. Get training and read the owner’s manual. Know its basic parts, how to safely open and close the action, and remove any ammunition from the firearm or magazine. Remember, a firearm’s mechanical safety device is never foolproof. Nothing can ever replace safe weapons handling.

The USACRC website contains numerous resources to address privately owned weapons safety:

Off-Duty Safety Awareness Presentation: https://safety.army.mil/odsap

Safety Shorts: https://safety.army.mil/MEDIA/Safety-Shorts/Off-Duty/emodule/9365/eitem/14320

Alcohol and Weapons Don’t Mix poster: https://safety.army.mil/API/Evotiva-UserFiles/FileActionsServices/DownloadFile?ItemId=92317&ModuleId=9270&TabId=1236

For more information: https://safety.army.mil/OFF-DUTY/Privately-Owned-Weapons