Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 27-year-old First Lieutenant and a 19-year-old Specialist assigned to Urlas Kaserne, U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach, Germany, died in an off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishap 2 May 2026 in Morocco at 2015 local. The Soldiers were with a group that went to observe the ocean at sunset after duty hours. One Soldier accidentally fell in, and two others entered the water to rescue her. The first Soldier and one of the Soldiers attempting to rescue her were swept away. Their remains were found following a week of search-and-rescue operations. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of eight Soldiers a year to off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishaps. These were the second and third off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training fatalities of FY26 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year. These were also the second and third off-duty water-related fatalities of FY26.

Safety Tips

When hiking/walking near water:

• 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.
• Wear appropriate clothes and shoes. Wearing flip-flops or other footwear not appropriate for steep, rocky or loose terrain increases the chance of falling into bodies of water.
• Stay away from rapid waters and slippery slopes. Be careful and cautious when hiking near water, including waterfalls and swift or cold water. Climbing on rocks near waterfalls is extremely dangerous and can lead to a fatal fall or drowning. Do not attempt to cross streams during icy conditions, flooding, moving or white water, or any time you cannot be certain of the water depth. If you plan to cross any rivers, plan and prepare to do so safely.
• Don’t get too distracted taking photos, videos or just looking at the water. Watch your step. There will often be uneven ground, holes, bumps on rocks and stumps near the water’s edge. Tripping can cause a fall as easily as slipping.
• Be aware of the people around you, especially if there is a crowd. Other folks may not be paying attention and can accidentally push or shove their way to a better view, all the while being oblivious to your position and safety. Don’t be that person oblivious to those around them.

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.

A 21-year-old Private Second Class assigned to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in a combat skills/military unique mishap 15 April 2026 on the installation at 1500 local. While in the tactical operations center tent performing mission requirements for the Army Team Leader Academy, the Soldier was struck in the head and neck by a falling branch, resulting in fatal injuries. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of three Soldiers a year to combat skills/military unique mishaps. This mishap was the second combat skills/military unique fatality of FY26 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year.