An 18-year-old basic trainee from California at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri was pronounced dead on September 5, after an undisclosed "incident" took place on a firing range.
The U.S. Army has identified Pvt. Andrey Okunev, a National Guardsman from California who was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment.
“We are deeply saddened and truly heartbroken by the loss of Pvt. Okunev, and our deepest condolences and sincerest sympathies are with his family, friends and unit,” Maj. Gen. Chris Beck, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general, said in a press release. “During this difficult time, our chaplains, grief counselors and other medical professionals are providing comfort, care and support to those affected by this tragedy.”
The circumstances surrounding Okunev's death have yet to be revealed, and the Army has declined to add additional detail at this time. Okunev was halfway through basic training and was scheduled to graduate on October 2.
No other soldiers were injured during the incident.