A 27-year-old First Lieutenant and a 19-year-old Specialist assigned to Urlas Kaserne, U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach, Germany, died in an off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishap in Morocco at local. The Soldiers were with a group that went to observe the ocean at sunset after duty hours. One Soldier accidentally fell in, and two others entered the water to rescue her. The first Soldier and one of the Soldiers attempting to rescue her were swept away. Their remains were found following a week of search-and-rescue operations. Additional information is currently unavailable.
Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of eight Soldiers a year to off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishaps. These were the second and third off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training fatalities of FY26 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year. These were also the second and third off-duty water-related fatalities of FY26.
Safety Tips
When 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 to a better view, all the while being oblivious to your position and safety. Don’t be that person oblivious to those around them.