Army officials are investigating a fatal training accident that claimed the lives of two soldiers January 30.
Staff Sgt. Shelbe Butner and Spc. Jacob Mullen, both motor transport operators, were killed in the crash. They were assigned to 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
“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, on the western fringes of the base. While operating their Joint 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, to include performing CPR, until emergency services arrived.
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.
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.
A fellow soldier, Austin Rikard, has set up a gofundme.com page for Mullen.
“Jacob Mullen was more than just a fellow soldier; he embodied the best characteristics of a friend,” Rikard wrote on the gofundme page. “His willingness to help and be there for others was unmatched. Jacob had a deep sense of caring and compassion, always putting the needs of others before his own. His kindness, bravery, and unwavering dedication were an inspiration to all of us.”
According to the gofundme page, Mullen leaves behind a girlfriend who is 20 weeks pregnant. 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 is providing resources to the families and soldiers to support the mental and emotional wellbeing of those who served with Butner and Mullen.
With multiple investigations underway, the Army is not releasing additional information at this time.
