A 36-year-old Second Lieutenant assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in an off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishap in Pinehurst, North Carolina, at local. The Soldier was found unresponsive in a private, off-post pool. The homeowner immediately contacted emergency medical services personnel, who transported the Soldier to FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Additional information is currently unavailable.
Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of nine Soldiers a year to off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishaps. This mishap was the seventh off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training fatality of FY25 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year. This was also the fifth off-duty water-related fatality of FY25.
Swimming Pool Safety Tips
- Do not enter headfirst unless you are in a pool that has a safe diving area.
- Stay away from drains and other openings that cause suction.
- Swim with a buddy.
- Only swim when supervised by a water watcher.
- Swim sober.
- Supervise others sober and without distractions, such as reading or talking on or using a cellphone.
- Know what to do in a water emergency, including how to help someone in trouble in the water safely, call for emergency help and CPR.
For more information on water-related safety, visit https://safety.army.mil/OFF-DUTY/Sports-and-Recreation/Water-Safety.