Fort Jackson Soldier Found Dead During Training, Army Initiates Support Measures

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A soldier stationed at Fort Jackson, the U.S. Army’s largest basic training facility, was found dead on Thursday during a training exercise, military officials confirmed. The soldier, a member of Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment, has not been publicly identified pending notification of next of kin, in accordance with Army regulations.

The announcement was made via a Facebook post by Fort Jackson on Sunday, April 27, 2025, with officials expressing grief over the loss. “Losing a teammate affects us all,” said Fort Jackson Commander Maj. Gen. Daryl O. Hood in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with their family as well as the cadre and fellow trainees.” The cause of death has not been disclosed, and it remains unclear whether the incident is under investigation, according to reports from multiple sources.

In response to the tragedy, Fort Jackson has implemented a 48-hour training stand-down for the unit to allow time for grieving and processing. The Army is also providing resources and support to the soldier’s family and unit members. Fort Jackson, which trains over 50,000 recruits annually, has faced similar losses in recent months. In December 2023, two drill sergeants, Staff Sgt. Allen M. Burtram and Staff Sgt. Zachary L. Melton, were found dead within a week of each other, though no connection between those incidents was reported.

Further details are expected as the Army continues its notification process and assesses the circumstances surrounding the soldier’s death. The Fort Jackson community remains focused on supporting those affected during this difficult time.

Sources:

• WIS News, April 27, 2025

• AL.com, April 27, 2025

• The State, April 27, 2025

• Live5News, April 27, 2025

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