A U.S. Army soldier has died from his injuries following an attack from a bear during a training exercise at an Alaska military base.
Officials made a statement for a news release:
“The Soldier was part of a small group training in Training Area 412. The name of the Soldier is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification.”
A statement was released by the Army stating that Staff Sgt. Seth Michael Plant, aged just 30-years-old, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at an Anchorage hospital after the attack.
BREAKING: JBER Spokesperson Erin Eaton wrote in a press release that while training in an area west of the Anchorage Regional Landfill, a U.S. Army Alaska Soldier was attacked by a bear and died from the injuries. https://t.co/iL87AJKYJG
— Alaska’s News Source (@AKNewsNow) May 11, 2022
Plant had joined the Army back in 2015 following time in the reserves and previously served at Georgia, North Carolina, Fort Benning, and Fort Bragg before coming to Alaska, military officials stated.
Lt. Col. David J. Nelson, 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment commander, said Plant “always had a smile on his face, he always went above and beyond what was asked of him, and he served as an inspiration to all who had the privilege to know him.”
Michael Plant was a decorated soldier who received the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and Parachutist Badge, among others.
Nelson also made a statement:
“Staff Sgt. Plant was an integral part of our organization. He was a positive and dedicated leader who brought joy and energy to the paratroopers who served with him. His loss is deeply felt within our organization and we offer our sincere condolences to friends and family.”
Currently, the attack is being investigated and the Army has said that another soldier also received minor injuries from the attack in a training area west of the Anchorage landfill.
Officials have confirmed that the training area has since been shut down for all recreational activities and that Alaska Wildlife Troopers are searching for the bear.
Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game has made an estimate that over 30,000 bears wander the state. Wildlife officials speculate that brown bears and grizzlies can be seen “almost everywhere” in the state.
Sources: Scallywagandvagabond, Wmur, Abcnews
