2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Oct 29, 2015 22:50:34 GMT -5
A young man I recall from numerous local WW2 airsoft games was killed yesterday in a tragic mishap in a WW2 m18 tank Destroyer. The vehicle was owned by Steve Preston who was very active in our regional Military Vehicle Club. The vehicle was recently featured at TankFest and is beautifully restored.
The two men were demonstrating live fire with the 76mm Gun at a BLM site in central Oregon. A live film crew was recording the event. The round discharged sending the round down range but both men died as a result of the explosion. An official cause of their death is under investigation but I suspect a catastrophic breach block failure.
One man died instantly while the other was still alive and conscious when first responders arrived but they were unable to save him. I remember Austin when he was a young man at Long winter. Even then he was an avid student of WW2 and big history buff. He was just 22. Clearly he was doing what he loved.
This particular vehicle was filmed conducting live fire for a Discovery Channel program.
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Post by insterburger on Oct 31, 2015 20:08:17 GMT -5
I had heard about this on the news. Prayers for the two men, their families and loved ones.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Oct 31, 2015 20:28:33 GMT -5
Austin was 15 and 16 when by he participated in the Long Winter events. I barely recognized him when I saw him at Tank Fest a few months ago. He had grown from a shy very introverted youth to an outgoing charming man. He was Manning the M18 along with the owner and other military vehicle club members and really enjoyed interacting with all the spectators especially the young kids. So sad and so great a loss.
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Post by feldwebelheidrich on Nov 7, 2015 1:49:15 GMT -5
a tragic loss. The moment I heard about the accident I knew who it would be as its always the best that are taken.
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