More Details Released About Accidental Death Of Arkansas Soldier
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
Officials at Fort Benning say a
faulty light fixture in a spare metal building may have contributed
to the accidental electrocution of an Arkansas soldier over the
weekend.
Private Van Ryan Marcum of Prescott was killed during a training
exercise Saturday. Officials say the 21-year-old was electrocuted
when he touched the outside of the metal structure.
Marcum was halfway through his 14-week basic training and
planned to attend elite Army Ranger school and eventually serve in
Iraq or Afghanistan.
Elsie Jackson, a spokesman for the training base, said the Army
is conducting a thorough investigation. But Jackson said
preliminary findings showed that a light fixture inside the metal
building may have been damaged by electrical storms in the area,
causing the structure to become unusually conductive.
