18-year-old solider reported dead at Fort Jackson
Fort Jackson has announced a basic training soldier died late Friday night.
The 18 year-old basic combat training solider, whose name wasn’t immediately released, was “found unresponsive in her barracks area,” according to a statement released by leadership at the base.
Emergency personnel transported her to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead at 11 p.m., according to the statement.
The death was “unrelated to COVID-19 or an active field training exercise,” said LA Sully, a media relations officer at Fort Jackson. “An investigation into the cause of the death is underway.”
“A loss of a teammate is never easy,” said Fort Jackson Commander Brig. Gen. Jason E. Kelly. “We extend our deepest sympathies to her family, friends and loved ones. We are providing comfort and assistance to everyone who knew her.”
The soldier was from the 2nd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment.
Fort Jackson announced that they were conducting a 48 hour training stand down following the death. Fort Jackson is the largest Army basic training facility in the country.
In August, National Guard Soldier Alyssa Cahoon died at Fort Jackson. Originally from New Jersey, Cahoon and her twin sister were undergoing training at the South Carolina base.
This is a breaking news story. Check back here for updates.
