Four Soldiers perish in privately owned vehicle accidents

U.S. Army Combat Readiness and Safety Center
A 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga., Soldier was killed in a motorcycle crash that occurred Feb. 5 on Fort Stewart. The 22-year-old private first class was riding a 1992 CBR600 motorcycle on a two-lane paved roadway when a 2005 Cadillac, driven by another Soldier, traveling in the opposite direction attempted to pass three vehicles in front of his vehicle. The motorcycle struck the Cadillac and the Soldier was ejected. The Soldier was pronounced dead at the scene. He was wearing a helmet, PPE and was in compliance with all Army motorcycle directives. A Centralized Accident Investigation team from the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center is investigating.
* A I Corps Headquarters Battalion, Joint Base-Lewis McCord, Wash., Soldier died Feb. 5 from injuries sustained in a bicycle collision with a POV on Feb. 4 in Olympia, Wash. The 50-year-old Chief Warrant Officer 5 was riding his bicycle when he was struck from behind by a 2008 Ford Expedition. He was transported to a local medical center where he underwent surgery. The Soldier was removed from life support later the next day.
* A 3rd Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas, Soldier was killed in a single-vehicle crash Feb. 4 in Florence. The 21-year-old specialist was a passenger with two others (Soldier and civilian) in a Nissan driven by a second civilian when the driver lost control of the vehicle in a curve. The Nissan left the road and struck a tree killing the specialist instantly. The other Soldier was transported to a local medical center in critical condition. According to local authorities alcohol use was a factor and the deceased Soldier was not wearing a seatbelt. The driver was placed under arrest.
* A 10th Special Forces Group, Fort Carson, Colo., Soldier was killed in a single-vehicle crash while off-duty in a TDY status Feb. 5, in Boeblingen, Germany. The 29-year-old sergeant first class and two other Soldiers were passengers in an Army operated vehicle (rental car) driven by a non-affiliated local national when the vehicle left the road and struck a utility pole. All the occupants sustained injuries and were evacuated to a local medical facility. The sergeant first class was pronounced dead on arrival and the other two Soldiers are listed as critical but stable following surgery.