Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 21-year-old Private assigned to Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, Georgia, died following an on-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishap 1 July 2026 on the installation at 0830 local. During the final mile of a squad-level organized 8-mile physical training run, the Soldier experienced a suspected heat-related event and collapsed before losing consciousness. Squad members immediately initiated CPR and contacted 911. The Soldier was transported to a local hospital and placed on life support. He died 3 July 2026. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of three Soldiers a year to on-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishaps. This mishap was the second on-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training fatality of FY26 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

• Environmental Monitoring: Monitor and record the wet bulb globe temperature hourly. Adjust or suspend PT according to the established heat flag conditions (e.g., yellow, red or black flags dictate specific work-rest ratios and running limitations).
• Progressive Training and Acclimatization: Allow 10 to 14 days of progressive, moderate aerobic exercise in the heat for newly arrived or unacclimatized Soldiers to safely adapt. Progressively increase the intensity and duration of runs rather than scheduling maximum-effort long-distance runs abruptly.
• Formation Spacing: Run in formation at a double-arm interval. The extra physical space between runners significantly helps individual body heat dissipate during group runs.
• Hydration and Dietary Discipline: Enforce structured hydration, ensuring Soldiers do not exceed 1 to 1.5 quarts of water per hour (maximum 12 quarts per day) to prevent hyponatremia. Enforce battle buddy checks to monitor each other's eating, drinking and urination frequency. Avoid stimulants, energy drinks, alcohol or high-sodium dietary supplements prior to strenuous PT.
• Uniform Adjustments: Modify uniforms in high heat categories (Heat Category 3 and above) by unblousing trouser legs, unbuckling web belts or removing ACU/OCP tops down to T-shirts.

Emergency Action Steps (Immediate Response)

If a Soldier shows signs of distress, heat exhaustion or collapses during training, immediate on-site intervention is vital before professional medical assets arrive.

• Pause the Activity Immediately: Any leader or buddy can and must immediately pause the training activity for the entire squad/platoon without waiting for higher chain-of-command authorization.
• Call 911 / Medics: Immediately contact emergency services and dispatch on-site 68W (combat medics) if available.
• Initiate Aggressive Cooling: Move the casualty to a shaded area and lay them flat on their back with legs slightly elevated. Loosen or remove outer clothing (blouse, boots, socks). Begin active cooling (apply ice sheets or cold water to the head, neck, armpits and groin).
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): If the casualty is unresponsive, has no pulse or is not breathing, immediately initiate CPR as the squad members did in this incident.

A 21-year-old Private First Class assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas, died in a motorcycle mishap 27 June 2026 in El Paso, Texas, at 0100 local. The Soldier’s motorcycle struck a wall adjacent to the roadway. The El Paso Police Department and emergency medical services responded to the scene, where the Soldier was pronounced dead. The use of personal protective equipment, training, speed, and the involvement of alcohol or drugs are currently unknown. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of 31 Soldiers a year to motorcycle mishaps. This mishap was the 17th motorcycle fatality of FY26 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

Riding at night presents several challenges:

• Reduced Visibility: Road hazards, debris and curves are much harder to spot. Ensure your headlight is clean and properly aligned.
• Outriding the Headlights: At night, reduce your speed so that your total stopping distance is always within the path illuminated by your motorcycle's headlight.
• Fatigue: Avoid riding between 2400 and 0600, when the body's natural circadian rhythm causes peak drowsiness.
• Fixed-Object Crash Avoidance and Cornering: Single-vehicle crashes involving fixed objects account for roughly 35% of motorcycle fatalities.
• Avoid Target Fixation: In a panic or sharp turn, riders tend to stare directly at the hazard. This is called target fixation. You will go where you look. Riders must train themselves to look through the turn, focusing on the safe path of travel rather than the obstacle.
• Speed Management: Speeding is a factor in over 36% of fatal motorcycle crashes. Reduce speed before entering curves, ensuring your entry speed allows for mid-corner adjustments.

A 20-year-old Private First Class assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, died in a motorcycle mishap 28 June 2026 in Limestone County, Texas, at 1930 local. The Soldier was operating his motorcycle when he was struck by a vehicle at an intersection. The Texas Department of Public Safety and emergency medical services responded to the scene, where the Soldier was pronounced dead. The use of personal protective equipment, training, speed, and the involvement of alcohol or drugs are currently unknown. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of 31 Soldiers a year to motorcycle mishaps. This mishap was the 16th motorcycle fatality of FY26 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

Traffic intersections are a critical vulnerability for motorcyclists. When approaching intersections, motorcyclists must ride under the assumption that they are invisible to surrounding motorists. The following safety tips may help prevent a motorcycle mishap at an intersection:

• Anticipate Driver Errors: Slow down prior to entering any intersection, regardless of who has the right-of-way. Watch the front tires of waiting vehicles for movement. Scan three to five seconds ahead to detect vehicles waiting to turn.
• Maximize Your Visibility: Avoid riding in a car or truck's blind spots. Wear high-visibility, reflective outer garments. Flash your brake lights or slightly adjust your lane position when approaching intersections to catch a driver's attention.
• Maintain Space Cushions: Do not split lanes or share lanes with other vehicles. Ensure you have an "escape route" planned in case an oncoming vehicle cuts into your path.
• Wear Required PPE: Always wear a DOT-approved helmet. In addition, wear full-fingered gloves, over-the-ankle leather boots, long pants and a long-sleeved jacket.

A 25-year-old Sergeant assigned to U.S. Army Reserve Center, Tustin, California, died in an automobile mishap 16 June 2026 in Fontana, California, at 1653 local. The Soldier was on active-duty orders when his vehicle collided with a tractor-trailer. The California Highway Patrol and emergency medical services responded to the scene, where the Soldier was pronounced dead. Speed, alcohol or drug involvement are currently unknown. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to automobile mishaps. This mishap was the 24th automobile fatality of FY26 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.  

A 23-year-old Specialist assigned to Camp Mackall, North Carolina, died following a Combat Skills/Military Unique mishap 11 June 2026 at 1654 local. The Soldier was found unresponsive while participating in a land navigation exercise. He was evaluated by cadre and a special forces medical sergeant before being transported to the troop medical center. He was subsequently transported to a local hospital for advanced treatment for a heat illness, where he remained unresponsive and died 20 June 2026. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of three Soldiers a year to Combat Skills/Military Unique mishaps. This mishap was the third Combat Skills/Military Unique fatality of FY26 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.  

Safety Tips

• Ensure you follow the T2COM Heat Illness Prevention Program 2026 guidance for all training events. Check it out at https://carepoint.health.mil/sites/APH/webinars/ExternalTraining/20260212_T2COM%20Heat%20Illness%20Prevention%20Info%20Paper%202026_vF.pdf.
• Monitor the wet bulb globe temperature and adjust activities as needed.
• Remember that heat effects are cumulative. Exposure over multiple days increases the risk of heat illness, so avoid back-to-back strenuous days, especially in Heat Categories 4 and 5.
• Ensure all personnel are trained on prevention, recognition and basic treatment of heat illnesses.
• Monitor hydration. Individuals should consume 1 quart/hour under most training conditions or a maximum of 1.5 quarts/hour under very strenuous conditions. Avoid excessive hydration.
• Soldiers with a previous heat illness and/or poor fitness levels should be monitored closely.

For additional information, visit the Defense Health Agency’s website at https://ph.health.mil/topics/discond/hipss/Pages/Heat-Illness-Resources.aspx.