By Troy Turner
FORT JACKSON, South Carolina – A 39-year-old Alabama woman and U.S. Army trainee died soon after becoming unresponsive during early training activities after her arrival at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
Pfc. Veronica L. Wynn of Hurtsboro, Alabama, a basic combat training trainee from 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment, “became unresponsive during structured and disciplined pickup in the company area Monday (April 29). Emergency personnel performed life-saving measures and transported her to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead at 2:30 p.m.,” an Army press release said.
The term “structured and disciplined pickup” normally refers to the first few hours or days of arrival at a training facility and the initial introduction and adjustment to military discipline, administration, team-building, drills and early-stage physical activity.
The normal age limit for most U.S. military services is 39 or younger, and the Army age limit is listed at 35. However, the age limit varies in some cases, such as for Reserve or Guard service. No details were released concerning Wynn’s enlistment.
The 13th Infantry Regiment’s battalions are dedicated to Army training and the regiment is headquartered at Fort Jackson.
“Today is an especially sad day for Team Jackson after the loss of one of our newest soldiers,” said Fort Jackson’s commander, Maj. Gen. Jason E. Kelly. “We extend our deepest sympathies to her family, friends and loved ones. We are providing comfort and assistance to her family and fellow trainees.”
Next of kin were notified and as customary in such incidents, an investigation into the cause of death is under way. No other details were released from the Army by week’s end.
Six deaths in last year
Wynn’s death marked the sixth enlistee fatality at the Army training facility within the last year, according to reports in the Post and Courier newspaper based in South Carolina.
A soldier stationed at Fort Jackson was found dead in on-base housing on the morning of March 21, the Army said in a statement. It was the second death in 2024, the Post and Courier reported. “In late-February, a soldier in the Army chaplain training program died during physical conditioning.
“In December (2023), two drill sergeants died within eight days of each other.
“And in June (2023), a 40-year-old drill sergeant went missing during a training exercise and was found unresponsive just outside the base’s land-navigation course.”
