Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 43-year-old Master Sergeant assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, died in a motorcycle mishap 17 May 2026 in Colorado Springs at 0425 local. The Soldier’s motorcycle collided with a passenger car. The Colorado Springs Police Department and emergency medical services personnel responded to the scene, where the Soldier was pronounced dead. Personal protective equipment use, 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 10th motorcycle fatality of FY26 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

A 22-year-old Sergeant assigned to Fort Riley, Kansas, died in an off-duty Weapons and Explosives mishap 9 May 2026 at 1900 local. The Soldier was handling a privately owned pistol at a co-worker’s residence when it was unintentionally discharged, striking him in the head. Another Soldier called 911, and local police and emergency medical services personnel responded to the scene, where the Soldier was pronounced dead. Alcohol involvement is currently unknown. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of two Soldiers a year to off-duty Weapons and Explosives mishaps. This mishap was the first off-duty Weapons and Explosives fatality of FY26 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

When handling weapons, always THINK weapons safety!

• Treat every weapon as if it is loaded.
• Handle every weapon with care.
• Identify the target before you fire.
• Never point the muzzle at anything you don’t intend to shoot.
• Keep the weapon on safe and your finger off the trigger until you intend to fire.

A Department of the Army Civilian assigned to Naval Support Activity Mid-South, Millington, Tennessee, died in an Industrial/Occupational mishap 11 May 2026 at 0820 local. The employee was operating a forklift outside with a pallet of recyclables when it tipped over off the sidewalk, pinning him underneath. While there were no direct witnesses to the mishap, a Navy service member driving by noticed the overturned forklift, stopped to help and called 911. Two additional personnel arrived and also attempted to assist. Emergency medical services responded, removed the employee from under the forklift and transported him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The USACRC is leading the mishap investigation.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of one Department of the Army Civilian a year to Industrial/Occupational mishaps. This was the second on-duty Industrial/Occupational fatality of FY26 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

If a forklift begins to tip off a sidewalk or edge, the operator has approximately two seconds to react. Attempting to jump clear is the leading cause of fatalities.

• Stay Inside: Never jump. The overhead guard/Rollover Protection System is designed to protect you if you stay within the cab.
• Grip the Wheel: Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands to keep your body centered.
• Brace Your Feet: Press your feet firmly against the floorboards to stabilize your torso.
• Lean Away: Lean your body in the opposite direction of the tip.

A 40-year-old Active Guard Reserve Sergeant First Class assigned to the National Guard Bureau died in an automobile mishap 1 May 2026 in Lincoln County, Mississippi, at 0845 local. The Soldier’s vehicle was struck by another vehicle. The other driver, a Soldier on orders for drill weekend, sustained minor injuries. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to automobile mishaps. This was the 19th off-duty automobile fatality of FY26 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

Defensive driving is the primary tool for mitigating risks at intersections, where nearly 36 percent of all traffic crashes occur. Your safety depends on anticipation, situational awareness, and scanning before and during your entry into the intersection.

• Scanning – Look left, right, then left again.
• Anticipation – Expect the unexpected. Never assume another driver will stop. Observe the speed and "body language" of approaching vehicles to see if they are actually slowing down.
• Right-of-Way – Don't insist on it. Having the legal right-of-way does not protect you from impact. If an approaching vehicle seems unlikely to stop, yield to preserve your life.
• Distractions – Intersections require 100 percent of your cognitive load. Lower the radio volume and put away devices to better hear and see cross-traffic.

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.