Army infantry trainee Pfc. Cesar Gonzalez, 21, died of a medical emergency while training at Fort Moore, Ga., on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, according to the service. (U.S. Army)
An Army infantry trainee at Fort Moore died Friday after suffering a medical emergency during a training event, officials at the Georgia installation said.
Pfc. Cesar Gonzalez, 21, was pronounced dead at Fort Moore’s Martin Army Community Hospital shortly after arriving after the medical emergency, according to a base news release issued Monday. Gonzalez, who is from Chicago, was 18 weeks into the 22-week Infantry One Station Unit Training, or OSUT, the initial military training program for Army infantry soldiers. He was assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 58th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, according to Fort Moore.
“The Wolfpack family is devastated by the unfortunate and untimely passing of [Pfc.] Gonzalez, an outstanding soldier in our organization,” said Capt. Stephanie Snyder, who commands Gonzalez’s company, nicknamed the Wolfpack. “This heartbreaking loss has affected every person in the company. We send our condolences to his family and friends, and our prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time.”
Fort Moore officials declined Monday to provide additional information about Gonzalez’s death, including any suspected cause, citing an ongoing investigation into the incident. Joe Cole, a Fort Moore spokesman, said “medical professionals” were conducting that probe.
He said company personnel administered combat lifesaving procedures and notified emergency medical services immediately after Gonzalez’s medical emergency began. EMS officials continued to administer medical attention as Gonzalez was rushed to the hospital where he died shortly after arriving, Cole said.
Gonzalez enlisted in the Army via the Future Soldier Preparatory Course at Fort Jackson, S.C., a program that helps Army hopefuls improve their fitness or academic scores to qualify to serve. Gonzalez began that program May 2 and started Infantry OSUT training on June 16, according to the Fort Moore release. He would have graduated OSUT in about one month.
Fort Moore officials said Gonzalez had told the Army that he had joined the service “to challenge himself and to support his family.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Pfc. Gonzalez’s family, friends, and fellow teammates during this difficult time,” said Lt. Col. Michael Moore, commander of 2nd Battalion, 58th Infantry Regiment. “He was an exceptional soldier and dedicated friend to those around him.”
