A U.S. Army soldier was tragically killed during a training exercise at an Alaska military base, according to reports he was attacked by a bear and the soldier died from the injuries, officials said. Authorities from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage verified the soldier’s death on Tuesday, May 10.
Here’s what the officials said in a news release:
“The Soldier was part of a small group training in Training Area 412. The name of the Soldier is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification.”
The Army said in a statement that Staff Sgt. Seth Michael Plant, 30, was declared dead at a health center in Anchorage following the mauling Tuesday.
BREAKING: JBER Spokesperson Erin Eaton wrote in a press release that while training in an area west of the Anchorage Regional Landfill, a U.S. Army Alaska Soldier was attacked by a bear and died from the injuries. https://t.co/iL87AJKYJG
— Alaska's News Source (@AKNewsNow) May 11, 2022
Military authorities stated Plant signed up with the Army in 2015 after a stint in the reserves and had actually served at Fort Benning, Georgia, and Fort Bragg, North Carolina prior to reporting to Alaska.
Lt. Col. David J. Nelson, 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment leader, stated Plant “constantly had a smile on his face, he constantly exceeded and beyond what was asked of him, and he functioned as a motivation to all who had the benefit to understand him.”
Sgt. Plant was a decorated soldier who got the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and Parachutist Badge, to name a few.
Here’s what Nelson said:
“Staff Sgt. Plant was an integral part of our organization. He was a positive and dedicated leader who brought joy and energy to the paratroopers who served with him. His loss is deeply felt within our organization and we offer our sincere condolences to friends and family.”
The Army states the mauling is being investigated. Another soldier sustained small injuries in the attack in a training location west of the Anchorage landfill, according to the Army.
The training location was closed down for all leisure activities for Alaska Wildlife Troopers to look for the bear, authorities stated.
Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game approximates that 30,000 bears roam the state. Wildlife authorities state brown bears and grizzlies can be seen “almost everywhere” in the state.
Sources: Scallywagandvagabond, Wmur, Abcnews
