Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

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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A Specialist assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in an off-duty water-related mishap 10 September 2022 near the Red River in Clarksville, Tennessee, at 1530 local. The Soldier fell into the water while walking along the Red River bank with a group of Soldiers. A second Soldier jumped into the river to rescue the first Soldier but was unsuccessful. Local law enforcement recovered the Soldier’s body the next day and pronounced him dead. The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division and local law enforcement.

Since FY17, the Army has lost an average of eight Soldiers a year to off-duty water-related mishaps. This was the fifth fatal off-duty water-related mishap of FY22 and above the number of off-duty water-related fatalities from this time last year.

Safety Tips for 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 for a better view, all the while being oblivious to your position and safety. And certainly, don't be that person oblivious to those around them.

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A 21-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, died in a water-related mishap 8 August 2022 in Belton, Texas, at 1130 local. During a company organizational day at Temple Lake Park in Belton, Texas, the Soldier began swimming across a small cove. He started showing signs of distress approximately 100 meters from shore, submerged underwater and did not resurface. Soldiers from the company notified authorities and attempted to rescue him. Local authorities located the Soldier unresponsive at approximately 1330 and pronounced him dead at the scene. This mishap is still under investigation by local law enforcement.

Since FY17, the Army has lost an average of nine Soldiers a year to water-related mishaps. This was the sixth fatal water-related mishap of FY22.


Swimming in Lakes, Rivers, & Oceans

Swimming in open water (lakes, rivers, ponds and the ocean) is harder than in a pool. People tire faster and get into trouble more quickly. A person can go under water in a murky lake, making them very hard to find, or be swept away in currents.

·Swim in a lifeguarded area, especially if you are not a strong swimmer.

·Be cautious of sudden drop-offs in lakes and rivers. People who can't swim or aren't strong swimmers have slipped into deeper water and drowned.

·Stay sober when on or in the water. Alcohol and other drugs increase the effects of weather, temperature and wave action.


The Off-Duty Safety Awareness Presentation includes a section dedicated to water-related activities which contains statistics, contributing factors, prevention tips and other relevant information. You can download the full presentation or the Water-Related Activities breakout from the In the Spotlight Series at: https://safety.army.mil/OFF-DUTY/Home-and-Family/Off-Duty-Safety-Awareness-Presentation-2022

For additional information, visit: https://safety.army.mil/OFF-DUTY/Sports-and-Recreation/Water-Safety.