Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 31-year-old Private assigned to Fort Benning, Georgia, died in an on-duty physical training-related mishap 20 May 2020 on the installation at 0715 local. The Soldier was near the end of a 4-mile run when he stopped running. When questioned by a Drill Sergeant, he stated he “didn’t feel good” and was lethargic. The Drill Sergeant put the Soldier in the trail vehicle, which took him to the company area about 1/4 mile away. The cadre applied ice sheets and called E911. While in the ambulance, the Soldier went into cardiac arrest. He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the local hospital.

Since FY16, the Army has lost an average of one Soldier a year to on-duty physical training-related mishaps. This was the second on-duty physical training-related mishap of FY20.

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A Specialist assigned to Fort Stewart, Georgia, died in a PMV-4 mishap 18 May 2020 in Hinesville, Georgia, at 2230 local. The Soldier was driving his PMV on Route 84 with another Soldier as a passenger when they were struck head-on by a vehicle traveling on the wrong side of the road. The Soldier driving died at the scene. The other Soldier was evacuated to a local hospital with a possible leg fracture. The civilian driver of the vehicle that caused the accident reportedly had a blood alcohol concentration of .244, more than three times the legal limit, and later died from his injuries. The Soldier’s seat belt use is unknown at this time. The mishap is under investigation.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 34 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap is the 19th off-duty PMV-4 fatality of FY20 and below the number of similar fatalities during the same time period last year.

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A Private assigned to Nomad Troop, 4th Squadron, 3d Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas died in a privately owned weapons (POW) mishap 28 April 2020 in Killeen, Texas. The Soldier was with group of Soldiers at a private residence on 26 April 2020 when he picked up a fellow Soldier’s privately owned weapon and accidentally shot himself in the head. He was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries two days later. The use of alcohol was involved. The incident is being investigated by the local police department.

Since FY16, the Army has lost an average of four Soldiers a year to POW mishaps. This mishap was already the fourth fatal off-duty POW mishap of FY20. Every mishap has telltale signs. Some you only recognize in hindsight, while others you can’t miss. Alcohol, firearms, late at night…when do you draw the line between fun and tragedy?

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A 45-year-old Staff Sergeant assigned to Fort Gordon, Georgia, died in an off-duty bicycling mishap 29 April 2020 in Evans, Georgia, at 0530 local. The Soldier was riding on an approved trail when the mishap occurred. He was found lying on the ground by a motorist and transported to the local hospital, where he was evaluated and admitted to the intensive care unit with a skull fracture and bruising to the brain. The Soldier was medically sedated and monitored by the attending neurosurgeon. Five days later, the care team attempted to bring him out of sedation, but he did not respond well. The following day, the Soldier underwent surgery, but his condition deteriorated. He died from his injuries two days later. The Soldier was wearing a reflective shirt and vest, but no helmet.

Since FY16, the Army has lost an average of five Soldiers a year to off-duty sports-related mishaps. This was the first off-duty sports-related mishap of FY20 and below the number of similar fatalities from this time last year.

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A Specialist assigned to Fort Riley, Kansas, died in an off-duty water-related mishap 2 May 2020 in Randolph, Kansas, at 1400 local. The Soldier was riding in his personal kayak when another Soldier noticed he was no longer in the cockpit. Multiple law enforcement and search-and-rescue agencies were involved in the search, later recovering his body.

Since FY16, the Army has lost an average of eight Soldiers a year to off-duty water-related mishaps. This tragedy was the second fatal off-duty water-related mishap of FY20 and below the number of similar fatalities from this time last year.

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