FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — The Army has identified Pvt. Andrey Okunev, 18, as the soldier who died during a training incident at Fort Leonard Wood on September 5. Okunev was assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment, and was participating in rifle range training when he sustained what officials described as a “fatal injury.”
According to a press release, medical personnel from General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital responded immediately, but Okunev was pronounced dead at 10:33 a.m. No other soldiers were injured.
The incident remains under investigation by Fort Leonard Wood law enforcement and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID). Officials have not released any additional information regarding the cause or circumstances of the incident.
Maj. Gen. Chris Beck, commanding general of the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood, expressed condolences in a public statement.
“We are deeply saddened and truly heartbroken by the loss of Pvt. Okunev,” Beck said. “Our deepest condolences and sincerest sympathies are with his family, friends and unit. During this difficult time, our chaplains, grief counselors and other medical professionals are providing comfort, care and support to those affected by this tragedy.”
Son of Russian Immigrants, Active in Local Community
Okunev, a resident of the Long Beach, California area, was the son of Russian immigrants. His mother previously taught Russian language and literature at a middle school in Ukraine, while his father is originally from Russia. It remains unclear whether Andrey or his three siblings were born in the United States or if the family relocated from Ukraine or Russia due to conflict in the region.
In his hometown, Okunev was known for his work as a youth soccer referee with AYSO Region 177. The organization posted a public tribute on Instagram, remembering him as a kind and dedicated member of their community.
“Andrey gave his time generously to our kids and our community, season after season. His kindness, patience, and dedication touched so many lives on and off the field,” the post read.
Community members also shared messages of grief and support for the family, many recalling seeing him regularly on the field and praising his character and maturity.
Okunev and his fellow trainees were nearing the end of their 10-week basic combat training cycle. A graduation ceremony had been scheduled for October 2, according to Fort Leonard Wood’s website.
Whistleblower Alleges Suicide, Harsh Training Environment
On September 8, The Salty Soldier published a separate report in which a purported active-duty whistleblower claimed that Okunev’s death may have been a suicide. According to the allegations, which were shared anonymously via social media and direct messages, drill sergeants in the unit reportedly told trainees to “go off themselves” or “die.”
The whistleblower suggested that the leadership environment may have contributed to the incident and alleged that others in the unit had raised concerns prior to the fatal event. These claims have not been confirmed by the Army, and CID has not released any statements regarding potential causes or findings.
Full details can be found here: Alleged Whistleblower Claims Fort Leonard Wood Training Death Was a Suicide Encouraged by Drill Sergeants
1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment is one of several basic training units at Fort Leonard Wood, which trains tens of thousands of new soldiers each year. The base includes nearly three dozen ranges and multiple training sites. As of this writing, no updates have been issued regarding the ongoing investigation into Okunev’s death.
The Salty Soldier will continue to follow this story and report any new developments.
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