COLUMBIA, S.C. — An 18-year-old Regular Army soldier from California suffered a fatal injury during training on Fort Jackson, base officials say.
Pvt. James Noel Zamora, 18, was an active duty basic combat training soldier from California.
The Army's next of kin casualty notification process is complete.
According to the release, the command conducted a 36-hour training stand down to attend to the needs of the soldiers and cadre, and to evaluate all procedures. Trainees across Fort Jackson also had the opportunity to call home and assure families of their safety.
"Our hearts are heavy for Pvt. Zamora's family, the soldiers in his unit, and all the family members affected by the loss of James," said Fort Jackson Commander Brig. Gen. Milford H. Beagle, Jr. "At this difficult time, we have chaplains, grief counselors, and other medical professionals providing comfort and assistance to those involved."
Fort Jackson released a statement saying the solider died Thursday while training at a rifle range. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment. No other trainees or cadre were injured on the range.
The soldier was transported by EMS to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
A military law enforcement investigation into the incident is underway and next of kin notification is pending before we release additional information.
"Our hearts are heavy for our teammate, the unit soldiers and all the family members," said Fort Jackson Commander Brig. Gen. Milford H. Beagle, Jr. "We are providing comfort and assistance to those involved."
The investigation into the cause of the death continues but it was not related to COVID-19 according to Ft. Jackson.
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