Connor J. McGurran Identified As Minnesota Soldier Who Died At Fort Jackson
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A 19-year-old Minnesota soldier who died Wednesday at a South Carolina Army base has been identified as Pvt. Connor J. McGurran.
The Minnesota Army National Guard says the 19-year-old was found unresponsive following a training exercise on Wednesday morning at Fort Jackson.
Pvt. Conner J. McGurran has been identified as our Soldier found unresponsive yesterday. "We are keeping our fallen comrade's extended family in our thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time," said Brig. Gen. Milford H. Beagle, Jr., @fortjackson commander.
— Fort Jackson (@fortjackson) January 9, 2020
According to a press release, McGurran was immediately transported to Providence Hospital after being found unresponsive. Live-saving measures there proved unsuccessful.
McGurran was born in Owatonna. He reported to army basic combat training in October, following training with the Arden Hills recruit program.
A spokesperson wrote that he was "on track to become a Bradly fighting vehicle system maintainer."
Investigators are now working to find out how he died.
We mourn the loss of a 19-year old Minnesota National Guard Soldier in training. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Family members and team mates of the deceased Soldier. We are providing every comfort and assistance that we can to all involved.
— MG Milford H. Beagle, Jr. (@Beags_Beagle) January 8, 2020
Sen. John Jasinski (R-Faribault) released this statement Thursday afternoon after learning of McGurran's death:
I am filled with sorrow today. It is always a horrible feeling losing a brother or sister of the armed forces. As we wait for more information about what happened, I hope Pvt. McGurran's family knows that all of Minnesota is grieving with them.