Soldier dies after 'training accident' at Fort Bliss

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A soldier has died after he sustained injuries during a training accident on Oct. 26, at Fort Bliss, according to the 1st Armored Division.

The Division said Sgt. Christopher Sutton, 26, was airlifted to University Medical Center in critical condition that Saturday, and died shortly after arriving.

Sutton was an Army motor transport operator with the 47th Brigade Support Battalion and was assigned to the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team along with the 1st Armored Division.

The Division said Sutton enlisted in the Army in November 2019 from Honolulu, Hawaii, and arrived at Fort Bliss several months ago in February.

Sutton attended Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Sutton served one operational deployment to Poland in support of Operation European Assure Deter and Reinforce from June 2022 to September 2022.

His military education included the Basic Leader Course, Unit Armorer Certification Course and Field Sanitation Team Training. His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, according to the Division.

“Sgt. Sutton was a respected and valued member of the Pioneer team, a leader of the highest caliber,” said Lt. Col. Jed Hudson, commander of the 47th BSB. “He was an expert in his craft, always dependable, and he made a positive impact wherever he went. We collectively mourn his loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this incredibly difficult time.”