A tragic loss has struck Fort Jackson, as an Army trainee assigned to Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment died during basic combat training this past week, the Army announced Sunday.

According to an Army release, the soldier was “found deceased during training” on Thursday, April 24.

In keeping with Army policy, the soldier’s name has not been released publicly, as the Army Casualty Assistance Office must first notify the next of kin.

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The notice did not indicate whether the death is currently under investigation, leaving many questions unanswered about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The loss has deeply affected the Fort Jackson community, where soldiers, cadre members, and trainees alike are mourning.

“Losing a teammate affects us all,” Maj. Gen. Daryl O. Hood, the commander of Fort Jackson, said in the Army’s statement.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with their family as well as the cadre and fellow trainees.”

Fort Jackson, located in Columbia, South Carolina, is the Army’s largest and most active initial entry training center.

Each year, tens of thousands of new recruits undergo basic combat training at the installation, preparing for careers in military service.

The sheer size and scope of the training mission at Fort Jackson make any loss felt across the entire installation.

In response to the tragedy, Fort Jackson has instituted a 48-hour training stand down.

During this pause, leaders and cadre will review safety protocols, training procedures, and overall health and welfare measures to ensure that all appropriate precautions are being taken.

Such stand downs are standard practice following serious incidents, providing time for reflection, investigation, and reinforcing the Army’s commitment to the well-being of its soldiers.

The death of this trainee marks the second time in a year that Fort Jackson has experienced such a loss.

Last spring, a trainee assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment died after collapsing during the “pickup” phase of training, a critical early stage in a new recruit’s Army experience.

Despite being transported to a hospital for emergency care, that trainee could not be revived.

While basic combat training is inherently challenging — designed to test physical, mental, and emotional limits — the Army places a strong emphasis on safety, resilience, and care throughout the process.

When tragedies occur, they serve as sobering reminders of the demands placed on new soldiers and the importance of comprehensive safety measures.

As the Fort Jackson community mourns, support services have been made available to fellow trainees, cadre, and staff.

Grief counseling, chaplain services, and mental health resources are critical components in helping soldiers process the loss of one of their own.

The Army has indicated that more information may be shared as next of kin are notified and any ongoing reviews are completed.

In the meantime, the entire Fort Jackson community — and the wider Army family — pauses to honor the memory of the fallen trainee and to support one another during this difficult time.