Soldier killed during training operations

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. — A 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) Soldier died during an airborne operation in Mason County.

The accident happened around noon Friday. The soldier’s body was found around 10 p.m. after search and rescue teams looked for the solider near Shelton.

Officials with the Mason County Sheriff’s Office said the the soldier was part of a special forces unit based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord that was training over a wooded area. The unidentified soldier was forced to deploy a reserve parachute during the training exercise and disappeared.

A search party made up of Mason County deputies, military personnel, tribal officials and others 

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and loved ones of the Soldier involved in this tragic incident,” said Col. Otto K. Liller, commander of 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne). “We will conduct a thorough investigation into this incident, and we will do everything in our power to support the family of the brave Soldier who died today.”

The name of the soldier hasn’t been released yet.

Officials are investigating the incident.