An Army Staff Sergeant tragically lost his life during a land navigation exercise at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. 40-year-old Staff Sgt. Jaime Contreras was participating in a training course designed for aspiring drill sergeants when the incident occurred.

Contreras was reported missing after failing to return from the three-hour course within the expected timeframe. An extensive search operation, involving local and state law enforcement, was launched after he didn't report back by 2 p.m. Search teams were eventually able to locate Contreras's body around 11:30 p.m., nearly 11 hours after he was due back, approximately 164 feet off the designated course path.

While the terrain wasn't significantly distant from the course, Maj. John Farrell, director of Emergency Services at Fort Jackson, described it as "very unforgiving." Brig. Gen. Jason Kelly, Fort Jackson's commander, stated that the investigation into the incident is in its early stages and the cause of Contreras's death remains undetermined. Authorities are also working to understand why Contreras deviated from the course.

Contreras, a member of the 82nd Airborne Division and a Las Vegas resident, was participating in the training alongside over 90 other drill sergeant trainees. The land navigation training involved using maps, compasses, and other tools to locate specific points within a designated area.

Fort Jackson officials have expressed their condolences and are providing support to Contreras's family and fellow soldiers.