Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 41-year-old First Sergeant assigned to U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion, Phoenix, Arizona, died in an automobile mishap 19 May 2025 near Tucson, Arizona, at 0130 local. The Soldier's vehicle was rear-ended by an SUV on the interstate, pushing it into the path of a box truck. Arizona Department of Public Safety officers responded to the scene and transported the Soldier to a local hospital, where he died. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to automobile mishaps. This mishap was the 22nd automobile fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.   

Safety Tips

1. Maintain a Safe Following Distance: While the three-second rule is more for maintaining distance while driving, it also translates to a safe following distance when stopping. Increase this distance in adverse weather or when driving behind large vehicles. When stopping behind another vehicle, you should stop far enough back to see the rear tires of the vehicle in front of you touching the ground. This provides a safety buffer in case you need to maneuver around the vehicle or if you are rear-ended and pushed forward.
2. Be Mindful of Tailgaters: If you notice someone is tailgating you, try to create more space by gradually slowing down and encouraging them to pass. Do not brake hard to try and scare them off, as this could lead to a collision.
3. Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions: Minimize distractions like texting, eating or using your phone. Pay attention to your surroundings, including the vehicles ahead and behind.
4. Scan Your Surroundings: Look far ahead of your vehicle to anticipate potential hazards, such as stopped or slow-moving traffic, pedestrians or merging vehicles. This allows you to react early and avoid sudden stops that could lead to a rear-end collision.
5. Use Turn Signals Early and Clearly: Signal your intentions well in advance when changing lanes or turning. This gives other drivers ample time to react and adjust their driving accordingly.
6. Brake Gradually: Avoid sudden stops whenever possible. Slowing down gradually allows the driver behind you more time to react and avoid a collision.
7. Check Your Mirrors Frequently: Regularly check your rearview and side mirrors to monitor traffic behind you. This helps you stay aware of vehicles that might be too close or approaching too fast.
8. Be Cautious in Adverse Conditions: Increase your following distance and reduce your speed in rain, snow or fog.
9. Ensure Your Brake Lights are Working: Always make sure your brake lights are functioning correctly to alert other drivers when you are slowing down or stopping.
10. Scan for an Escape Path: If you anticipate a potential rear-end collision, look for a safe place to move to the side of the road or shoulder to avoid being pushed into other traffic.

Tips provided by NHTSA.  

A 19-year-old Private Second Class assigned to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, died in an automobile mishap 15 February 2025 in Williamson County, Texas, at 2330 local. The Soldier was negotiating a right-hand curve when his vehicle's rear tires lost traction. He overcorrected, causing the right-front fender to strike a guardrail. The vehicle rotated 180 degrees and continued into a grassy median, where it struck a center cable barrier. An off-duty police officer witnessed the mishap and called 911. Emergency services arrived and found the Soldier dead.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to automobile mishaps. This mishap was the 21st automobile fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.  

Safety Tips

To ensure the safety of drivers and the public, drivers should follow these essential tips when navigating curves:

• Slow Down: Reduce your speed before entering a curve. This simple step allows for better control and increased reaction time.
• Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Leave ample space between your vehicle and the one ahead. This provides a cushion for unexpected events and ensures you have room to maneuver.
• Stay in Your Lane: Always stay within your designated lane while navigating curves. Crossing into other lanes increases the risk of collisions with oncoming traffic.
• Steer Smoothly: Gradually steer through the curve, avoiding sudden or jerky movements. Smooth steering helps maintain traction and control.
• Avoid Sudden Braking: Abrupt braking can lead to skidding or loss of control. If you need to brake, do so gently and preferably before entering the curve.
• Look Ahead: Focus your gaze on the road ahead and anticipate the curve’s path. This allows you to make adjustments in advance and spot potential hazards.
• Adjust for Conditions: Reduce speed even further in adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow or fog. Adjust your driving to match the road’s condition.
• Practice Defensive Driving: Embrace defensive driving techniques, such as maintaining a 360-degree awareness of your surroundings, anticipating other drivers’ actions and always being prepared to react to unexpected situations.

A Chief Warrant Officer 2 assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in an aviation mishap 11 June 2025 on the installation at 1851 local. The aircraft impacted the ground during dry-fire training exercises with ground forces, resulting in one fatality and one injury. The aircraft experienced extensive damage, and the cost of damage is still being determined. Further information is unavailable at this time. A USACRC team is on site and conducting the safety investigation.   

Since FY20, the Army has had an average of eight Class A aviation flight mishaps and lost an average of eight Soldiers per year to on-duty aviation mishaps. This was the fourth Class A aviation mishap of FY25 and below the number of similar mishaps during the same time last year.  

A 25-year-old First Lieutenant assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a motorcycle mishap 11 June 2025 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, at 1940 local. The Soldier collided with a vehicle he was attempting to pass when it made a right turn. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Information regarding the use of personal protective equipment, speed, training and potential factors such as alcohol or drug use is currently unavailable.  

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 30 Soldiers a year to motorcycle mishaps. This mishap was the 18th motorcycle fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

A 37-year-old Specialist assigned to Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, died from injuries sustained in an off-duty other ground mishap 4 June 2025 at his on-post residence at approximately 2030 local. The Soldier was moving household goods and furniture when he fell down a flight of stairs. He was found unconscious, unresponsive and without a pulse. Emergency medical services personnel arrived and were able to regain a pulse before transporting the Soldier to a local hospital, where he was placed on life support. The Soldier was declared dead 7 June 2025.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of one Soldier a year to off-duty other ground mishaps. This mishap was the second off-duty other ground fatality of FY25 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.  

Safety Tips

Stairs can be a potential hazard if not navigated with care. Here are five key stair safety tips to prevent slips, trips and falls.

1. Proper Lighting: Proper illumination is paramount for stair safety. On a well-lit staircase, each step is visible, reducing the risk of missteps or trips.

2. Handrails: Handrails are not just an accessory for staircases; they are integral to safety. Individuals often rely on handrails for balance and support when ascending or descending a flight of stairs. When a misstep occurs, a strong and reliable handrail can prevent a minor stumble from turning into a serious fall. These handrails must be sturdy, durable and capable of supporting the weight of an adult in case they need to catch themselves.

3. Clear Obstructions: Stairs are meant for walking, not storage. Even small objects can pose significant trip hazards when left on a step. Consistently keeping stairs clear is straightforward, but it can drastically reduce the risk of accidental trips or falls. Regularly checking and clearing the staircase of obstructions ensures the path remains safe for everyone.

4. Sturdy Footwear: The choice of footwear can significantly influence safety on stairs. Shoes that offer a good grip can prevent slips, especially on surfaces that might be smooth or slick. High heels and shoes with worn-out soles can pose a risk, as they might not offer the necessary stability. Furthermore, navigating stairs with just socks on is not advisable, especially if the staircase is made of wood or tile. Socks can be surprisingly slippery on these surfaces, and without the additional grip shoes provide, there’s an increased risk of slipping.

5. Avoid Distractions: Stairs require our attention. Engaging in activities like reading, texting on a mobile phone or carrying large objects obstructing our view can divert our focus from safely navigating the staircase. Giving stairs our full attention is always advisable, ensuring that we’re aware of our surroundings and reducing the likelihood of mishaps.