A Staff Sergeant assigned to the Army National Guard, Draper, Utah, died in a combat skills/military unique mishap 21 September 2021 on Fort Campbell, Kentucky, at approximately 1440 local. The Soldier was participating in a 1,500-meter surface swim at Joe Swing Park Quarry during the 5th Special Forces Group (SFG) (Airborne) Maritime Assessment Course, when he submerged and never resurfaced. The search began immediately with 5th SFG (A) divers who were then joined by local search-and-rescue support elements. At approximately 2100, the search was suspended due to weather and limited visibility. The search resumed the following morning and the Soldier’s remains were recovered at approximately 1103. The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center is leading a safety investigation into the mishap.
Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of three Soldiers a year to combat skills/military unique mishaps. This tragedy was the fifth combat skills/military unique fatality of FY21.