Teenage Pennsylvania National Guardsman dies during training at Fort Jackson
A 17-year-old Pennsylvania National Guard soldier died following training at Fort Jackson, Thursday.
Pvt. Alyssa Cahoon collapsed during physical training on Aug. 20. She was taken taken to an off-base hospital where she died surrounded by family, according to a Facebook post from the 1st Battalion 34th Regiment, which trains at Fort Jackson.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family members and teammates of the deceased soldier,” said Fort Jackson Commander Brig. Gen. Patrick R. Michaelis. “We are providing every comfort and assistance that we can to all involved.”
An investigation into the death is underway, according to a statement released by Fort Jackson.
Cahoon was attending basic combat training with her twin sister, Brianna. The girls were members of 1st Battalion 34th Regiment’s Bravo Company, where they served as human resource specialists, according to a post on the regiment’s Facebook page.
Human resource specialists are required to undergo eight weeks and five days of Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Jackson.
Fort Jackson is the nation’s largest military training base, with more than 50,000 recruits assigned there every year. Last week it was announced that Michaelis was stepping down as commanding general of the base. He will be replaced by Brig. Gen. Jason E. Kelly. He will be sworn in on Aug. 31.