© 2024 South Carolina Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Army Identifies Soldier Found Dead at Fort Jackson

Fort Jackson

Sunday, Army officials identified the basic combat training soldier who was found dead in his barracks at Fort Jackson on September 12.

29-year old Pvt. Michael Wise from Wisconsin was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment.

Saturday, officials announced a 48-hour training stand down.

"This is a difficult time for everyone who knew Michael and we continue to provide comfort to his teammates," said Fort Jackson Commander Brig. Gen. Milford H. Beagle, Jr. "Chaplains and other medical professionals are helping those in need."

The exact cause of death is under investigation. Officials said the death was not related to COVID-19 or to an active field training exercise.

“A loss of a loved one and teammate is never easy,” said Fort Jackson Commander Brig. Gen. Milford H. Beagle, Jr. “We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Know we are providing comfort and assistance to all who knew him.”

This is the fourth death of a soldier at Fort Jackson in the past year. 29-year old Pvt. Angel Cortes died following a medical emergency while conducting a non-strenuous activity in March. 19-year old Pvt. Connor J. McGurran was found unresponsive after a training exercise in January. 18-year old Pvt. Andrew McLean suffered a medical emergency before an outdoor physical training drill in September 2019.

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wise leaves behind a pregnant wife and a two-year old daughter. A GoFundMe page has been created.

Fort Jackson is the Army’s largest training installation, with more than 50,000 recruits assigned there each year.