Army Special Operations soldier dies after Nevada training accident
(Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
FORT BRAGG, N.C. - A U.S. Army Special Operations soldier died Sept. 22 from injuries sustained during an airborne training event in Nevada, officials said.
The soldier was identified as Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Frakes, 34, of Savannah, Georgia.
What they're saying:
"Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Frakes represented the finest qualities of our nation’s special operations forces and performed at the highest echelons of our military," Lt. Gen. Lawrence "Gil" Ferguson, commanding general of U.S. Army Special Operations Command, said in a statement.
"The loss of such an exceptional warrior is felt deeply across the Special Operations community," Ferguson said. "Our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones and teammates during this difficult time."
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Dig deeper:
Frakes received numerous military awards and decorations during his service, including the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, Ranger Tab, Master Combat Infantryman Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Pathfinder Badge and Military Freefall Jumpmaster Badge.
He also held the Military Freefall Parachutist, Parachutist and Air Assault badges.
What's next:
The incident remains under investigation. The Army said no additional details were immediately available.
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Frakes remembered as devoted husband and father
Why you should care:
According to Frakes’ obituary, he was born in St. Louis on Sept. 21, 1992, and raised in Forest City, Iowa. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 2015 and began his Army career as an infantry officer with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Polk, Louisiana.
He later served with the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in Savannah. In 2020, he resigned his commission and enlisted as an infantryman, continuing to serve with the Ranger Regiment. In 2023, he was assigned to U.S. Army Special Operations Command in North Carolina.
The obituary described Frakes as a quiet, selfless leader who elevated others without seeking attention or credit. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2009 and his Ranger Tab in 2016. His service included multiple combat deployments in the Middle East and Africa.
Frakes met his wife, Ashley, while stationed in Savannah. The couple moved to North Carolina in 2023 and welcomed their daughter, Adeline, in 2025. They were also expecting a son in March.
"Being a husband to Ashley and loving father to Addie was the most fulfilling and purposeful role he had during his lifetime," the obituary said.
Frakes is survived by his wife, daughter and unborn son, as well as his parents, siblings, nieces, nephew, extended family and friends.
The Source: The information in this story came from a U.S. Army Special Operations Command news release identifying Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Frakes and providing details about his death, military service and awards. Additional background about Frakes’ childhood, family, career and memorial service came from his obituary. This story was reported from Los Angeles.