Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A Sergeant assigned to East Camp, Grafenwohr, Germany, died in an automobile mishap 2 May 2026 in Italy at 0435 local. Two Soldiers were involved in a vehicle mishap with a semi-truck. One of the Soldiers sustained fatal injuries. Local police are conducting an investigation. Speed, seat belt use, and alcohol or drug involvement are currently unknown.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to automobile mishaps. This was the 18th off-duty automobile fatality of FY26 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

A Specialist assigned to Smith Barracks, Germany, died in an automobile mishap 25 April 2026 in Idar-Oberstein, Germany, at 0100 local. The Soldier’s vehicle struck a guardrail before entering oncoming traffic, where it collided with a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. German police are conducting an investigation. Speed, seat belt use, and alcohol or drug involvement are currently unknown.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to automobile mishaps. This was the 17th off-duty automobile fatality of FY26 and equal to the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

A 19-year-old Private First Class assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, died in a motorcycle mishap 18 April 2026 in Olympia, Washington, at 1410 local. The Soldier was negotiating a curve when he crossed into the northbound lane, collided with another vehicle and then struck an embankment. Local police and emergency medical services personnel 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 ninth motorcycle fatality of FY26 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

Negotiating a curve requires a proactive approach. Once a motorcycle begins to slide or drift due to excessive speed, the laws of physics make it extremely difficult to regain control. Check out the safe curve negotiation techniques below:

• Approach – Reduce speed before entry. Braking while already in the curve shifts vehicle weight and reduces tire traction needed for steering.
• Entry – Look through the curve. Focus your eyes on the exit (the "target area") rather than the road directly in front.
• Mid-curve – Maintain steady throttle. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, which can cause the tires to lose their grip or contact patch with the road.
• Exit – Accelerate gradually. Once the road begins to straighten and the wheels are centered, resume your cruising speed.

A 21-year-old Private Second Class assigned to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in a combat skills/military unique mishap 15 April 2026 on the installation at 1500 local. While in the tactical operations center tent performing mission requirements for the Army Team Leader Academy, the Soldier was struck in the head and neck by a falling branch, resulting in fatal injuries. 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 second combat skills/military unique fatality of FY26 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

A 23-year-old Sergeant assigned to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia, died in an Industrial/Occupational mishap 10 April 2026 on the installation at 1530 local. The Soldier was under a tactical vehicle that suddenly lowered, crushing him. Nearby medics rendered first aid and emergency services were called. The Soldier was transported to Winn Army Community Hospital via ambulance, where he died. Additional information is currently unavailable. The USACRC is investigating the mishap.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of one Soldier a year to Industrial/Occupational mishaps. This mishap was the first Industrial/Occupational fatality of FY26 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year.