In a statement on Monday, Colorado's Fort Carson, where the soldier was stationed, announced that 1st Lt. Zachary Galli, assigned to the 749th Ordnance Company, 242nd Explosive Ordnance Battalion, died during a training accident at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Johnson, formerly known as Fort Polk, in Louisiana.

“It is with an extremely heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of 1st Lt. Zachary Galli,” said Col. Brennan Fitzgerald, commander of the 71st EOD. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of the Galli family, the 749th EOD Co., and the greater EOD community.”

The 23-year-old soldier was from Williamsburg, Virginia.

The accident is under investigation, and the base has not provided further details about the circumstances of Galli's death. This tragic incident highlights the inherent risks of military training exercises, which are crucial for maintaining operational readiness but can sometimes have fatal outcomes.

Lt. Galli was known among his peers as a dedicated and skilled soldier, deeply committed to his duties and respected by all who served with him. His loss is felt deeply within the unit and by those who knew him personally. The military community is rallying to support his family and colleagues during this difficult time.

Galli's death has brought attention to the importance of stringent safety measures during training exercises. The investigation aims to identify any potential lapses and implement measures to prevent future incidents. As the military continues to train its personnel for high-stakes operations, balancing preparedness and safety remains a critical focus.

Fort Carson has established a memorial fund in Lt. Galli’s honor to support the families of soldiers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. This initiative seeks to provide financial assistance and emotional support to grieving families, reinforcing the close-knit nature of the military community.