Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A Private First Class assigned to Fort Stewart, Georgia, died in an automobile mishap 3 January 2026 in Colorado at 1245 local. The Soldier was on leave when the vehicle he was riding in crashed. The unit currently has limited information and is awaiting the police report from authorities in Colorado. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to off-duty automobile mishaps. This was the 16th off-duty automobile fatality of FY26 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

A 35-year-old Sergeant First Class assigned to the Army Interagency Training and Education Center, West Virginia, died in an automobile mishap 16 March 2026 in West Virginia at 1430 local. The Soldier was driving on Interstate 77 at the time of the single-vehicle mishap. Emergency medical services personnel responded to the scene and transported him to Jackson General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Speed, alcohol and drug use are not suspected contributing factors. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to off-duty automobile mishaps. This was the 15th off-duty automobile fatality of FY26 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

Automobile mishaps remain a leading cause of off-duty fatalities for Soldiers. Proactive risk management and disciplined driving habits are critical to ensuring every Soldier arrives alive. To prevent a similar tragedy, all personnel should adhere to the following safety measures:

• Avoid Distractions: Refrain from using a cellphone or any other electronic device while driving. Limit loud music and other conversations or activities that divert your attention from the road. At any given moment, thousands of drivers are using cellphones, creating an enormous potential for deadly crashes.
• Control Your Speed: Obey the posted speed limit and adjust your speed for road, weather and traffic conditions. Excessive speed is a primary factor in vehicle mishaps, especially after midnight.
• Always Wear a Seat Belt: Ensure you and all passengers are properly wearing seat belts. Studies show that seat belts are highly effective in preventing fatalities in a crash. Occupants ejected from a vehicle are four times more likely to suffer fatal injuries.
• Maintain Your Vehicle: Regularly inspect your vehicle's tires, brakes and lights to ensure they are in good working condition. A well-maintained vehicle is a safer vehicle.
• Drive Defensively: Remain alert, maintain a safe following distance and be aware of other drivers' actions. Always have a plan to avoid potential hazards caused by others on the road.

A 20-year-old Specialist assigned to 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, died in an automobile mishap 16 March 2026 near Cameron, Texas, at 0500 local. The Soldier was involved in a two-vehicle mishap while returning from leave. Details regarding speed, seat belt use, and whether alcohol or drugs were involved are under investigation. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to off-duty automobile mishaps. This was the 14th off-duty automobile fatality of FY26 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

A 26-year-old Private First Class assigned to 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, died in an automobile mishap 7 March 2026 near Florence, Texas, at 0200 local. The Soldier was traveling back to Fort Hood in a private motor vehicle with two other Soldiers when they were involved in the mishap. The other Soldiers received minor injuries. Details regarding speed, seat belt use, and whether alcohol or drugs were involved are under investigation. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to off-duty automobile mishaps. This was the 13th off-duty automobile fatality of FY26 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.  

Safety Tips

• Use Headlights Effectively: Always turn on your headlights when driving at night. Ensure they are clean and function properly to maximize visibility. Use high beams when there are no oncoming vehicles, but switch to low beams to avoid blinding other drivers.
• Manage Glare: The glare from oncoming headlights can be distracting. To reduce this, focus on the right side of the road and avoid looking directly at the lights of approaching vehicles. Keeping your windshield clean can also help minimize glare.
• Stay Alert and Rested: Fatigue is a significant risk factor for nighttime driving. Ensure you are well-rested before hitting the road and take regular breaks during long drives. If you feel drowsy, pull over safely, sip a caffeinated drink and take a short nap.
• Adjust Your Speed: Nighttime driving reduces visibility, so it’s crucial to drive at a slower speed to give yourself more time to react to obstacles or hazards. Remember that even with high beams, visibility is limited.
• Check Your Vision: Night driving can be challenging, especially as we age. Regular eye exams are essential to ensure your vision is adequate for nighttime driving. If you wear glasses, make sure they are suitable for night use.
• Prepare for Emergencies: Always have a backup plan in case of vehicle trouble. Keep an emergency kit in your car, including water, snacks and a blanket. Familiarize yourself with roadside assistance options.
• Limit Interior Light: Keep the inside of your vehicle as dark as possible to maintain your night vision. Avoid using bright screens or lights that can distract you while driving.

A 35-year-old Staff Sergeant assigned to 302nd Military Intelligence Battalion, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died following a motorcycle mishap on 28 February 2026 near the installation at 1815 local. The Soldier was riding a neighbor’s motorcycle when the mishap occurred. He was airlifted to Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, where he later died. Helmet and other personal protective equipment use, as well as the involvement of alcohol or drugs, are currently unknown. Additional information is unavailable.

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