Staff Sgt. Shelbe Butner, left, and Spc. Jacob Mullen were identified Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, as the two soldiers who died in a training accident at Fort Stewart two days earlier. (U.S. Army)

Two soldiers at Fort Stewart were killed Thursday night in a single-vehicle incident during night training at the base in Georgia, Army officials said.

The soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 3rd Infantry Division. The unit includes Abrams M1A1 tanks and carries the nickname of “The Spartans.”

The two soldiers were identified Saturday as Staff Sgt. Shelbe Butner, 28, and Spc. Jacob Mullen, 25, by 3rd Infantry Division officials. Both were motor transport operators.

The soldiers were operating a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle in blackout conditions for the exercise when they rolled off the road and into water, according to a press release from the 3rd Infantry Division. Soldiers from their unit provided first aid until emergency services arrived about 20 minutes later, the release said.

Butner hailed from Missouri and served in the Army for nine years, receiving in that time the Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal, among others.

Mullen served for seven years and was a Maryland native. His decorations include the Army Achievement Medal and the Army Good Conduct Medal.

Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, issued a statement about the soldier’s deaths.

“We are heartbroken about this tragic accident and will do everything we can to support the soldiers’ families and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.

Fort Stewart is located southwest of Savannah, Ga.