Georgia soldier killed in accident while training in California

FORT IRWIN, Calif. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - Army officials say a 22-year-old soldier from Buford, Georgia has died from injuries he received in an accident at a training center in California.

According to Fort Hood officials, Spc. Octavious Deshon Lakes Jr., a soldier of the 1st Cavalry Division, was involved in a tactical vehicle accident Jan. 14 at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California.

“On behalf of Greywolf Soldiers and Families, Command Sgt. Maj. Ronneburg and I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Spc. Octavious Lakes,” said Col. Kevin S. Capra, commander of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team. “His dedication, professionalism and spirit will be missed, but never forgotten.”

Lakes joined the army in 2017 as a combat engineer. He deployed to Kuwait as part of Operation Spartan Shield from July to October of 2017. 

He had previously been awarded two Army Achievement Medals, a National Defense Service Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, a Army Service Ribbon, and an Overseas Service Ribbon.

Investigators are currently examining the cause of the accident.