SOLDIER FOUND DEAD DURING BASIC TRAINING AT FORT JACKSON, ARMY CONFIRMS
A spokesperson at Fort Jackson has confirmed that a trainee died while undergoing basic training on Thursday at Fort Jackson. According to the Army, the Soldier was “found deceased during training,” according to a statement released on Thursday April 24th. The Army announced the death on Sunday, but has yet to reveal the name of the deceased trainee; however, the Soldier was from the Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment.
How Those At Fort Jackson Are Responding
Major Gen. Daryl O. Hood, the commander of Fort Jackson, released a statement on the base’s Facebook page explaining the impact that the death has had on the community:
“Losing a teammate affects us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as well as the cadre and fellow trainees.”
Fort Jackson has said that the unit is conducting a 48-hour training stand down.
Additionally, they are providing resources to the family and other members of the unit as they grieve and process this recent loss.
Where is Fort Jackson Located?
Fort Jackson is located in Columbia, South Carolina. It is a 53,000 acre U.S. Army Training Center, and was named for President Andrew Jackson.
Today, Fort Jackson is the biggest and most active Initial Entry Training Center in the U.S. It trains 50% of all Soldiers and 60% of women entering the Army each year.
Has an Incident Like This Happened Before?
This is not the only incident that has happened on Fort Jackson as of late. The trainee who passed away last week is the second Army trainee to die during basic combat training at the base within the period of a year.
Last year, a trainee assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment died after collapsing during the “pickup” phase of training, when being transported to the hospital. Pfc. Veronica L. Wynn was at the point in basic training when trainees arrived at their unit to meet their drill sergeants and company leadership.
Wynn, 39, was from Hurtsboro, Alabama and joined the Army’s 3rd Battalion 13 Infantry Regiment. The maximum age to enlist is 35, but it is possible that she received an age waiver as the Army may lift restrictions based on the need for certain roles.
When paramedics got to the scene, they performed life-saving measures and transported Wynn to a local hospital at 2:30 p.m., where she was pronounced dead.
After her death, the Fort Jackson Commander Major General Jason E. Kelly released the statement, “Today is an especially sad day for Team Jackson after the loss of one of our newest Soldiers. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family, friends and loved ones. We are providing comfort and assistance to her family and fellow trainees.”
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