Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A Private First Class assigned to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, died in a motorcycle mishap 26 June 2025 in Long Beach, California, at 2223 local. The Soldier was operating his motorcycle while on leave when he collided with a pickup truck. The Long Beach Police Department responded to the scene. Additional information is currently unavailable.  

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 30 Soldiers a year to motorcycle mishaps. This mishap was the 19th motorcycle fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.  

Safety Tips

When passing other vehicles on a motorcycle, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings and adhere to safety guidelines. Here are some key tips to ensure a safe passing experience:

• Assess the Situation: Before deciding to pass, evaluate if it's necessary and if the vehicle ahead is moving significantly slower than the speed limit.
• Use Your Mirrors: Check your side and rear mirrors before changing lanes or making a turn, especially when there's a motorcycle nearby.
• Maintain Lane Position: Stay in the center portion of your lane and maintain a steady speed to avoid startling the motorcyclist.
• Be Clear: Clearly signal your intentions to the motorcyclist before passing.
• Check Blind Spots: Use mirrors to check for blind spots and ensure you can see the road ahead and behind before making a pass.
• Be Calm: Stay calm and composed, as sudden movements can startle the motorcyclist and lead to an accident.
• Plan Ahead: Always plan your route and consider the traffic flow before deciding to pass.
• Stay Focused: Keep your focus on the road and avoid distractions that could affect your ability to pass safely.

Tips provided by various sources, including the NSC, NHTSA, and numerous motorcycle safety blogs and magazines.

A 26-year-old Staff Sergeant assigned to Camp Erbil, Iraq, died in an on-duty Weapons and Explosives mishap 17 June 2025 on the installation at 0053 local. While handling his weapon, a Soldier unintentionally discharged a round, which struck another Soldier in the collarbone and neck area. The injured Soldier was transported to a ROLE III medical facility, where he was pronounced dead. Additional information is currently unavailable.

This was the first on-duty Weapons and Explosives fatality since FY22.

Safety Tips

Always THINK weapons safety:

• Treat every weapon as if it is loaded.
• Handle every weapon with care.
• Identify the target before you fire.
• Never point the muzzle at anything you don’t intend to shoot.
• Keep the weapon on safe and your finger off the trigger until you intend to fire.

A 41-year-old First Sergeant assigned to U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion, Phoenix, Arizona, died in an automobile mishap 19 May 2025 near Tucson, Arizona, at 0130 local. The Soldier's vehicle was rear-ended by an SUV on the interstate, pushing it into the path of a box truck. Arizona Department of Public Safety officers responded to the scene and transported the Soldier to a local hospital, where he died. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to automobile mishaps. This mishap was the 22nd automobile fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.   

Safety Tips

1. Maintain a Safe Following Distance: While the three-second rule is more for maintaining distance while driving, it also translates to a safe following distance when stopping. Increase this distance in adverse weather or when driving behind large vehicles. When stopping behind another vehicle, you should stop far enough back to see the rear tires of the vehicle in front of you touching the ground. This provides a safety buffer in case you need to maneuver around the vehicle or if you are rear-ended and pushed forward.
2. Be Mindful of Tailgaters: If you notice someone is tailgating you, try to create more space by gradually slowing down and encouraging them to pass. Do not brake hard to try and scare them off, as this could lead to a collision.
3. Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions: Minimize distractions like texting, eating or using your phone. Pay attention to your surroundings, including the vehicles ahead and behind.
4. Scan Your Surroundings: Look far ahead of your vehicle to anticipate potential hazards, such as stopped or slow-moving traffic, pedestrians or merging vehicles. This allows you to react early and avoid sudden stops that could lead to a rear-end collision.
5. Use Turn Signals Early and Clearly: Signal your intentions well in advance when changing lanes or turning. This gives other drivers ample time to react and adjust their driving accordingly.
6. Brake Gradually: Avoid sudden stops whenever possible. Slowing down gradually allows the driver behind you more time to react and avoid a collision.
7. Check Your Mirrors Frequently: Regularly check your rearview and side mirrors to monitor traffic behind you. This helps you stay aware of vehicles that might be too close or approaching too fast.
8. Be Cautious in Adverse Conditions: Increase your following distance and reduce your speed in rain, snow or fog.
9. Ensure Your Brake Lights are Working: Always make sure your brake lights are functioning correctly to alert other drivers when you are slowing down or stopping.
10. Scan for an Escape Path: If you anticipate a potential rear-end collision, look for a safe place to move to the side of the road or shoulder to avoid being pushed into other traffic.

Tips provided by NHTSA.  

A 19-year-old Private Second Class assigned to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, died in an automobile mishap 15 February 2025 in Williamson County, Texas, at 2330 local. The Soldier was negotiating a right-hand curve when his vehicle's rear tires lost traction. He overcorrected, causing the right-front fender to strike a guardrail. The vehicle rotated 180 degrees and continued into a grassy median, where it struck a center cable barrier. An off-duty police officer witnessed the mishap and called 911. Emergency services arrived and found the Soldier dead.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to automobile mishaps. This mishap was the 21st automobile fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.  

Safety Tips

To ensure the safety of drivers and the public, drivers should follow these essential tips when navigating curves:

• Slow Down: Reduce your speed before entering a curve. This simple step allows for better control and increased reaction time.
• Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Leave ample space between your vehicle and the one ahead. This provides a cushion for unexpected events and ensures you have room to maneuver.
• Stay in Your Lane: Always stay within your designated lane while navigating curves. Crossing into other lanes increases the risk of collisions with oncoming traffic.
• Steer Smoothly: Gradually steer through the curve, avoiding sudden or jerky movements. Smooth steering helps maintain traction and control.
• Avoid Sudden Braking: Abrupt braking can lead to skidding or loss of control. If you need to brake, do so gently and preferably before entering the curve.
• Look Ahead: Focus your gaze on the road ahead and anticipate the curve’s path. This allows you to make adjustments in advance and spot potential hazards.
• Adjust for Conditions: Reduce speed even further in adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow or fog. Adjust your driving to match the road’s condition.
• Practice Defensive Driving: Embrace defensive driving techniques, such as maintaining a 360-degree awareness of your surroundings, anticipating other drivers’ actions and always being prepared to react to unexpected situations.