Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

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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A Private First Class assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, died in a PMV-2 mishap 2 May 2020 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at 2045 local. The Soldier was riding his motorcycle when he swerved to avoid a halted vehicle in front of him. He then struck a curb and was thrown from the motorcycle. Emergency personnel attempted to resuscitate the Soldier but were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Soldier was wearing personal protective equipment, but had not completed a Motorcycle Safety Foundation training course. Neither alcohol nor speed appear to be factors in the crash.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 28 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap is the 10th PMV-2 fatality of FY20. COVID-19 has created a challenging environment for the Army. Are your Soldiers properly trained for off-duty activities, such as safe motorcycle handling?

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A Sergeant assigned to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, died in a PMV-4 mishap 9 April 2020 in Yigo, Guam, at 0100 local. The Soldier was presumed to be driving at a high rate of speed when his vehicle left the roadway and struck a cement guard pole. Local police and emergency medical technicians responded to the mishap scene and pronounced the Soldier dead. Seat belt and alcohol use are unknown at this time. The mishap is under investigation.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 31 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 18th PMV-4 fatality of FY20. Speed or speed combined with alcohol has been the leading causal factor in nearly 40 percent of all fatal PMV-4 crashes over the last five years.

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