Names released for Fort Stewart soldiers killed in training accident
FORT STEWART, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Following a tragic Thursday night crash involving two soldiers at Fort Stewart, the victims are now being identified.
Staff Sgt. Shelbe Butner and Spc. Jacob Mullen, both motor transport operators, died in a single-vehicle accident during a field training exercise on Thursday night.
Officials with Fort Stewart released the following statement:
“We are heartbroken about this tragic accident and will do everything we can to the Soldiers’ Families and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, 3rd Inf. Div. commanding general. “The entire division extends our deepest condolences to the Families of the Soldiers who died in this accident.”
They were assigned to 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
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According to that release from the base, Butner, 28, a Missouri native served in the Army for nine years. Her awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Assault Badge, and the Drill Sergeant Badge.
Mullen, 25, a Maryland native, served in the Army for seven years and was previously deployed to Poland. His awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.
“Our hearts are broken at this devastating loss,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, the 3rd Infantry Division Commanding General, “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 and Mullen were participating in a combat training exercise near Camp Oliver. While operating their t Light Tactical Vehicle under blackout conditions they rolled off a road into standing water. Soldiers from their unit responded to the accident and rendered first aid, including performing R, until emergency services arrived.
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Evans County’s Claxton Fire Department, through a mutual aid agreement with the installation’s Fort Stewart Directorate of Emergency Services, arrived on scene within 20 minutes of receiving the emergency call. Fort Stewart Fire Emergency Services arrived shortly thereafter along with Fort Stewart Military Police; Fort Stewart Conservation Law Enforcement; and Fort Stewart Emergency Medical Services.
Additional mutual aid response was provided by Bryan County and Evans County first responders.
The U.S. Army takes every accident very seriously. The U.S. Army’s Combat Readiness Center, the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, and the XVIII Airborne Corps are investigating the incident.
The division provides resources to the Families and Soldiers to the mental and emotional well-being of those who served with Butner and Mullen. Understanding there are multiple investigations ongoing, no additional information will be released at this time.
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