18-year old James Noel Zamora was killed during training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina.   Zamora, a private, was a California soldier in combat training at the base.  The accident occurred at the rifle range.

Training was stopped for 36-hours to attend to the needs of soldiers and to evaluate relevant procedures.  “Our hearts are heavy for Pvt. Zamora’s family, the soldiers in his unit, and all the family members affected by the loss of James,” said Fort Jackson Commander Brig. Gen. Milford H. Beagle, Jr. “At this difficult time, we have chaplains, grief counselors, and other medical professionals providing comfort and assistance to those involved.”  

There is an ongoing military investigation and circumstances of the accident were not released.  Investigators declined to respond to inquiries from the military newspaper Army Times.

Sources:

“Ft. Jackson Soldier Identified after Death during Training at Rifle Range, Officials Say,” WLTX News19 (November 7, 2020).

Kyle Rempfer, “Soldier who Died after Fort Jackson Rifle Range Incident Identified” Army Times (November 8, 2020).