A 75th Ranger Regiment platoon leader died in a tactical vehicle accident during training on Friday, according to a release from Army Special Operations Command.

First Lt. Connor Bednarzyk, 25, was an infantry officer with E Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, the release said.

“First Lieutenant Connor Bednarzyk was an amazing Ranger, leader, and friend,” Lt. Col. Michael Klopper, his battalion commander, said in the release. “He was known throughout the battalion for his caring and positive attitude. He will be missed by all.”

Rangers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment and a multi-purpose canine pause during a nighttime combat mission in Afghanistan. (Army)
Rangers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment and a multi-purpose canine pause during a nighttime combat mission in Afghanistan. (Army)

Bednarzyk joined the Army in 2015 and spent time with the 4th Infantry Division before joining the Ranger Regiment. His awards and decorations included two Army Achievement Medals, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Ranger tab, the Air Assault Badge and the Army Parachutist Badge.

The Army is studying Ranger hopefuls to learn more about heat stroke
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The Army is measuring body temperature and heart rate as soldiers train, to see if they can predict heat casualties.

By: Meghann Myers

No other vehicles were involved and the incident is under investigation, the release said.