Soldier from Colorado Springs killed in parachute training at Fort Lee
A 24-year-old soldier from Colorado Springs died Thursday at Fort Lee during parachute training.
The Associated Press reported Pvt. Anthony Milo had parachuted from a Blackhawk helicopter during routine training at the Petersburg, Va., base when he was tangled with a power line near the base’s landing zone.
A story in The Army Times reported it was unknown whether Milo died from the impact or was electrocuted. Power was cut so the soldier’s body could be retrieved.
Fort Lee suspended parachute training while authorities investigate the accident and whether wind speed was a factor.
In a Richmond Times-Dispatch story, Fort Lee spokeswoman Sarah Trier said jump training is supposed to be canceled when winds reach 10 knots, or 11.5 mph. The National Weather Service reported winds Thursday measured 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph, at an airport 14 miles from the base.
Milo, a parachute rigger, arrived at Fort Lee on Dec. 14 after completing basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C.
A MySpace page under his name, which had condolences from friends, listed that he attended Mesa Ridge High School from 2001-2004. It said he was a flooring and cabinet installer before joining the Army.
Contact the writer at 636-0253.
