Two Army Ranger candidates killed during a training exercise on a mountain in north Georgia were hit by a falling tree while sheltering from a storm Tuesday, base officials confirmed Wednesday.
The soldiers were identified as 2nd Lt. Evan Fitzgibbon, whose hometown and age were not released, and Staff Sgt. George Taber, 30, of Florida, according to news releases from the Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning and the 7th Special Forces Group.
“We are all deeply saddened by the loss of these two outstanding soldiers and send our heartfelt condolences to their families,” Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning Commanding General Maj. Gen. Curtis A. Buzzard said in a statement. “They are in our thoughts and prayers.”
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The two were participating in Ranger School's Mountain Phase on Yonah Mountain, about 170 miles northeast of Fort Benning, a base spokesperson confirmed.
The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the area around the mountain from about 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, warning that winds could reach 60 miles per hour and hail could be as big as a quarter.
The training was put on hold because of the weather but, while sheltering, Fitzgibbon, Taber and three other Ranger candidates were hit by a falling tree at about 3:15 p.m., according to the news release. All five were taken…
