By Jacqueline Hill, United States Army Special Operations Command

FORT BRAGG, N.C. – A U.S. Army Special Operations Soldier died on Sept. 22, 2026, from injuries sustained during a military airborne training event in Nevada.

The soldier has been identified as Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Frakes, 34, of Savannah, Georgia.

“Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Frakes represented the finest qualities of our nation’s special operations forces and performed at the highest echelons of our military,” said Lt. Gen. Lawrence “Gil” Ferguson, Commanding General, U.S. Army Special Operations Command. “The loss of such an exceptional warrior is felt deeply across the Special Operations community. Our deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with his family, loved ones, and teammates during this difficult time.”

Frakes’ awards and decorations include the Joint Service Commendation Medal with combat “C” device (second award), the Army Commendation Medal (second award), the Army Commendation Medal with “C” device, the Joint Service Achievement Medal with “C” device, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Army Good Conduct Medal (second award), the National Defense Service Ribbon, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one bronze service star, the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with two bronze service stars, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 3, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Ranger Tab, the Master Combat Infantryman Badge, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantry Badge, the Pathfinder Badge, the Military Freefall Jumpmaster Badge, the Military Freefall Parachutist Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge.

The incident is currently under investigation, and no further details are available.

Questions regarding this matter should be directed to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office at PAO-USASOC@socom.mil.