Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

An Active Guard Reserve Sergeant First Class assigned to the Army National Guard, Fort Carson, Colorado, died in an off-duty water-related mishap 16 June 2023 in Buena Vista, Colorado, at 1430 local. The Soldier was floating on an innertube on the Arkansas River when he was swept away by fast-moving waters. The conditions or circumstances surrounding the mishap sequence are unknown. The Soldier was found unresponsive approximately two miles downstream. Emergency medical services personnel performed lifesaving measures but were unsuccessful in resuscitating the Soldier. Local law enforcement and Army CID are investigating the mishap.

Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of seven Soldiers a year to off-duty water-related mishaps. This was the second off-duty water-related mishap of FY23 and less than the number of off-duty water-related fatalities from this time last year.
 

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A 36-year-old Chief Warrant Officer 3 assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a civilian aircraft mishap 15 April 2023 near Andrews, North Carolina, at 1100 local. The Soldier was departing the local airport in a civilian experimental Velocity aircraft when it crashed into the trees. The Soldier was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the mishap is still currently unknown. The Federal Aviation Administration is leading the investigation.

Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of 11 Soldiers a year to off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishaps. This mishap was the third off-duty sports, recreation and physical training fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.
 

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A 19-year-old Specialist assigned to the Army National Guard, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on Title 32 orders died in an on-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishap 4 March 2023 in McAlester, Oklahoma, at 1045 local. After completing the 2-mile run portion of the Army Combat Fitness Test, the Soldier walked away from the track, fell to the ground and was found unresponsive. CPR was administered and emergency medical services (EMS) was contacted. The Soldier was transported by EMS to a local hospital and pronounced dead.

Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of one Soldier a year to on-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishaps. This was the third on-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishap of FY23 and above the number of on-duty sports, recreation and physical training fatalities from this time last year.

 

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A 27-year-old Private First Class assigned to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, died in an off-duty water-related mishap 30 December 2022 in Maunalua Bay, Hawaii, at 1630 local. The Soldier was swimming with friends and did not return to shore. When his friends could not locate him, they called emergency services. The Honolulu Fire Department arrived at the scene and found the Soldier about 15 feet below the surface on the ocean floor. Emergency services attempted to resuscitate the Soldier but were unsuccessful and pronounced him dead. The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) notified the staff duty officer of the mishap. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for the HPD to release its final report.

Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of seven Soldiers a year to off-duty water-related mishaps. This mishap was the first off-duty water-related fatality of FY23.

Tips:

Beneath the ocean’s beautiful blue surface, conditions can be unpredictable and even fatal. Ocean safety experts recommend checking with lifeguards before you enter the water to determine potential hazards like rip currents, hidden rocks and shorebreaks. Then you can experience the majesty of the ocean, with reverence and respect for its awesome power.
•Only undertake ocean activities when a lifeguard is present or go with professional and certified watermen.
•Check conditions before you go out to look for ocean hazards such as rip currents, rocks, and shorebreaks.
•Swim with a buddy.
•Know your limits and don’t push beyond your abilities.
•It’s important that you know how to swim if you go snorkeling, and at the very minimum wear a flotation device.
•If in doubt, don’t go out.
•Wave heights can increase quickly. If they do, dive underneath the wave, come up behind it, and then swim to shore between wave sets.
•Do not go into the ocean under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which greatly increase your risk of drowning.
•If you are caught in a rip current, remain calm and go with the flow – don't fight the current. Once the rip current releases you offshore, swim at an angle away from the current, toward the shore, and call or signal for help.

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A Sergeant assigned to Miami, Florida, died in an off-duty sports, recreation, and physical training mishap 24 December 2022 in Ocala, Florida, at 1430 local. The reporting unit was notified by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) that the Soldier was involved in a mishap involving his recreational electric ‘kick’ scooter. He was transported to Ocala Regional Hospital, Ocala, where he later succumbed to his injuries. It is currently unknown if a civilian PMV was involved in the incident, however, due to the severity of his injuries, it is assumed. The exact cause and circumstances of the mishap is still under investigation by the FHP.

Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of 11 Soldiers a year to off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishaps. This was the second off-duty sports, recreation, and physical training fatality of FY23 and above the number of off-duty sports, recreation, and physical training fatalities from this time last year.

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