Army investigates after 23-year-old soldier dies during training in California
Authorities are investigating after a First Cavalry Division Trooper died during a training incident at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California.
Spc. Joseph M. Meitl Jr. was 23.
Details of his death were not given, only that an investigation was ongoing.
The Fort Hood–based, award-winning soldier joined the U.S. Army in May 2020 and was assigned to the Second Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, Third Armored Brigade Combat Team, First Cavalry Division, the Fort Hood Press Office said.
“Specialist Joseph Meitl Jr. was a valuable member of our Steel Dragon team,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Carpenter, commander, 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, in a statement. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of an incredible Trooper and teammate. We extend our deepest sympathies to his spouse, family, and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them in this time of mourning and reflection.”
Meitl was an armored cannon crewmember and was participating in the brigade’s collective training at the National Training Center over the prior week, the Army said.
During his short tenure, he had won an Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon, the statement said.
“The unit leadership will continue to provide support and assistance to his family during this difficult time,” the Army said. “The incident is under investigation.”
Fort Hood has grappled with a slew of deaths and disappearances of soldiers over the past year, with 33 incidents in 2020 alone and several more last year. In October 2021, Spc. Maxwell Hockin, 26, assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, was found dead behind his barracks.
The most public of those deaths was the murder of Spc. Vanessa Guillen, who disappeared in April 2020 and was later found dead. Fellow soldier Aaron David Robinson, 20, was accused of killing and dismembering her, assisted by his girlfriend. He killed himself to evade arrest.
