Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A Specialist assigned to Fort Benning, Georgia, attending Ranger School, died in a combat skills/military unique mishap 25 March 2021 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, at approximately 1826 local. The Soldier was crossing a rope bridge constructed on Weaver River when he became submerged at the halfway point. Four instructors attempted to render aid but were unable to maintain contact. The instructors lost sight of the Soldier for several minutes before locating him unconscious and without pulse. On-site medics began immediate trauma care and air evacuated the Soldier to the local hospital. He was pronounced dead upon arrival by the attending physician.

Since FY16, the Army has lost an average of three Soldiers a year to combat skills/military unique mishaps. This was the first combat skills/military unique mishap of FY21.

Consider the following controls related to post-mishap response:

- Qualified and equipped medical personnel will be present to respond to any mishap.
- Medical transportation must be available. Identify locations and routes to the nearest medical treatment facilities.
- Verify level of care available at local medical treatment facilities.
- Verify availability and request procedures for MEDEVAC.
- Brief all Soldiers on medical evacuation procedures and communication methods.
- Ensure multiple forms of communication are available; primary, alternate, contingency, emergency (PACE) and operational.
- Conduct mishap response rehearsals.

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A Soldier assigned to Fort Riley, Kansas, died in a pedestrian mishap 18 March 2021 near the installation at 0510 local. It is suspected that the Soldier was struck by a vehicle when he was walking eastbound in the westbound lane of I-70. The Soldier was reportedly released from extra duty about 2300 on 17 March, and did not report to duty the next day. A former Fort Riley Soldier stated that the Soldier came to his off-post residence about 2330, where they talked and consumed alcohol, before leaving in the early hours.

Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) reported the remains of an unidentified individual located on I-70 slightly east of milepost 302 at approximately 0510 on 18 March. At 1036 hours, Fort Riley Directorate of Emergency Services was notified by the Geary County Sheriff's Office, Geary County, Kansas, that the fingerprints obtained from the remains were matched to a Soldier assigned to the unit. No personal effects or identification were located on or near the body, with the exception of a cellphone believed to belong to another Fort Riley Soldier assigned to the same unit. The body was later identified to be that of the missing Soldier. An autopsy of the remains will be completed at Frontier Forensics, Kansas City, Kansas. An investigation is ongoing by the local authorities in conjunction with the Fort Riley Criminal Investigations Division. The unit and safety POC are waiting for local authorities to release information.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of seven Soldiers a year to pedestrian/non-motorist mishaps. This mishap is the second pedestrian/non-motorist fatality of FY21.

Pedestrian Safety Tips
1. Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
2. Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
3. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
4. Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
5. Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
6. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
7. Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.
8. Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
9. Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
10. Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and judgment.

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A Private assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in an off-duty hiking mishap 16 March 2021 in Caldwell County, Kentucky at 1830 local. The Soldier and his girlfriend were hiking at a wildlife park, when they walked up to a common area known as Hunters Bluff to take pictures. When they reached the top, the Soldier tried to get close to the edge to take a picture, when he slipped on moss, and fell approximately 70 feet below. A civilian hiker witnessed the Soldier falling and provided medical attention. His girlfriend immediately called 911 and emergency medical services. A Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resource officer arrived on scene immediately after the Soldier fell. The Soldier was still alive but later died before paramedics could reach him.

Since FY16, the Army has lost an average of 14 Soldiers a year to off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishaps. This tragedy was the third fatal off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishap of FY21.


Hiking Tips:

-Use the buddy system. You and your companions should discuss a few things before you set out, like how strenuous a hike you're all okay with and your general itinerary.

-Make an emergency plan. Before heading out, know how you will call or send for help in the unlikely event something bad happens. Remember, you may not have reliable cell service where you are hiking.

-Drink and carry plenty of water (a minimum of one quart every two hours). Although stream, river and lake water may look clean, it can make you ill.

-Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes to help prevent injury.

-Don’t walk off-trail. Cutting across switchbacks erodes the hillside and eventually destroys the trail. Plus, walking off-trail increases your chance of suffering an injury or getting lost

-Tell a responsible person back at camp or at home where you are going and when you plan on returning. Ask that person to notify local law enforcement if you do not return on time.

-Never feed or touch wildlife. Do not approach or attempt to move sick or injured wildlife. Please report any encounters with aggressive, sick or injured animals to a park ranger.

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A Specialist assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas, died in a PMV-2 mishap 12 March 2021 in El Paso, Texas, at 2021 local. The Soldier was riding his motorcycle when he struck the back of a moving semi-tractor-trailer. First responders arrived and pronounced him dead at the scene. The Soldier was wearing all required personal protective equipment and completed the required Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses. It was reported that speed was a factor that contributed to the mishap. Alcohol and drug use as contributing factors is unknown at this time.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 27 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap is the 11th off-duty PMV-2 fatality of FY21 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.


NHTSA considers a crash to be speeding-related if the driver was charged with a speeding-related offense or if an investigating police officer indicated that racing, driving too fast for conditions, or exceeding the posted speed limit was a contributing factor in the crash.

Never drink or speed. More than 40 percent of motorcycle riders who die in single-vehicle crashes are alcohol-impaired, and speed is at play in more than one-third of fatal crashes

Maintain a space cushion: A space cushion is a buffer around your vehicle that you maintain to allow room to maneuver, if necessary. Know what is in your space cushion, scan frequently and maintain awareness of other vehicles.

•Keep at least a three-second following distance in front of you – make it four or five seconds in inclement weather.
•Avoid distractions, including mobile phones and other devices, which can divert your attention, even with hands-free functionality.
•Aim high when looking out over the handlebars at the road.
•Keep your eyes moving, meaning don't just stare at the road ahead; make sure to check mirrors and other views frequently.
•Leave yourself an out; this means anticipating what would happen if you had to swerve or slam on the brakes.
•Position both hands firmly but comfortably on handlebars.
•Never drive while feeling drowsy or sleepy; pull over at a rest stop or other safe place to take a break and get some real rest.

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A Sergeant First Class assigned to Peachtree City, Georgia died in a PMV-4 mishap 11 March 2021 in Senoia, GA, at 2130 local. The Soldier was operating his vehicle when he left the roadway and hit the wood line. The Soldier and his eight-year-old daughter were pronounced dead at the scene by the local county coroner. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including speed, seat belt use, or alcohol as contributing factors, are unknown at this time. The safety POC is awaiting local law enforcement to release information.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 33 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap is the eighteenth PMV-4 fatality of FY21.

- Never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Avoid distractions while operating a vehicle.
- Your focus should be on the task of driving safely.
- Pay attention to your surroundings especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area you’re driving in.
- Focus as far to your front as possible, using peripheral vision to scan for obstacles.
- Maintain the posted speed limit.
- Always wear your seat belt and ensure your passengers do the same.

Stay Alert – Avoid Distractions

Distractions are everywhere today and becoming more and more difficult to avoid. Your eyes and ears are your best tools for keeping safe. Stay alert and watch out.
-Put down your phone. Smartphones and handheld electronic devices are a daily part of life, but they take your eyes off of the road and distract your attention.
-Don’t wear headphones. Your ears will tell you a lot about what is happening around you – be sure to use them.

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