West Point graduate killed during training by falling tree in thunderstorm

Second Lt. Evan Fitzgibbon, assigned to Fort Benning, was struck by a falling tree during a thunderstorm.

News 12 Staff

Aug 11, 2022, 12:34 PM

Updated 845 days ago

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A 2021 graduate of West Point was among two soldiers who died while training on a Georgia mountain range Tuesday.
Second Lt. Evan Fitzgibbon, assigned to Fort Benning, was struck by a falling tree during a thunderstorm.
He and Staff Sgt. George Taber were pronounced deceased at a hospital.
Three other soldiers were injured.
All were Army Ranger cadets.
Fitzgibbon’s home address was not released.
West Point released a statement on their Facebook page saying; "The U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Corps of Cadets offer our heartfelt sympathies upon the loss of 2nd Lt. Evan Fitzgibbon, Class of 2021, and Army Staff Sgt. George Taber. Fitzgibbon and Taber died during a training exercise in Dahlonega, Ga., on August 9. 2nd Lt. Fitzgibbon was an incredible leader of character who exemplified Army values and the West Point ideals of Duty, Honor, and Country. The entire West Point Community and the Long Gray Line share in this loss and are keeping the Fitzgibbon and Taber families in our thoughts and prayers."