2 soldiers killed during training at Georgia Army base, officials say. Here’s what we know
UPDATE: The Army has identified two soldiers killed in a vehicle accident on Fort Stewart in Georgia.
Staff Sgt. Shelbe Butner, 28, and Spc. Jacob Mullen, 25, died when their Joint Light Tactical Vehicle rolled off a roadway into standing water during a combat training exercise, officials said Feb. 1.
Both were motor transport operators assigned to the 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, the Army said.
“Our hearts are broken at this devastating loss,” Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie said in a statement. “Shelbe and Jacob were honored and highly respected Soldiers of the Marne Division, and our thoughts and prayers are with their Families and fellow Soldiers at this incredibly difficult time.”
Butner served in the Army for nine years and Mullen served for seven, according to Army officials.
The accident remains under investigation.
The original story is below.
Two soldiers died after a training accident on an Army base in Georgia, officials said.
The soldiers were participating in a field training exercise Thursday, Jan. 30, when they were killed in a vehicle accident on the Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield, according to a news release.
No other soldiers were hurt, the Army said.
“We are heartbroken about this tragic accident and will do everything we can to support the Soldiers’ Families and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie said in a statement.
“The entire division extends our deepest condolences to the Families of the Soldiers who died in this accident,” Norrie said.
The Army didn’t release further details but said the accident is under investigation.
Fort Stewart is about a 40-mile drive southwest from Savannah.
This story was originally published January 31, 2025 at 4:09 PM.