Fort Stewart soldier dies after medical emergency while flying to training center, officials say

FORT STEWART, Ga. — A soldier stationed at Fort Stewart died Tuesday while traveling to California for a training exercise.

Fort Stewart officials said Private First Class Kaleb Franklin, 26, was flying with a group of soldiers to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California when he experienced a medical emergency.

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Unit medical personnel began, officials said, as the aircrew made an emergency diversion to Amarillo, Texas.

When they landed, Franklin was taken to a local hospital, where he died.

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“The Spartan Family suddenly lost Pfc. Kaleb Franklin. Our hearts mourn his unexpected passing, a fellow Spartan with so much potential,” said Col. Ethan J. Diven, commander of the “Spartan Brigade,” 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID. “We offer our deepest condolences to the Family. Our first priority is supporting them as well as the Soldiers in his unit and honoring his legacy in our brigade.”

Fort Stewart leaders have not released any details surrounding Franklin’s death.

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Franklin was an information technology specialist assigned to the Ninth Brigade Engineer Battalion, Second Armored Brigade Combat Team and Third ID. He served nearly three years of active duty and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.

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