‘Why is my son’s death a mystery?’: Questions linger months after Fort Jackson drill sergeant candidate dies
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The autopsy report of Jaime Contreras has been released by his family. The report from the Defense Health Agency lists Contreras’s cause of death as cardiac stress in the setting of a training environment.
More than six months ago, Contreras, a Staff Sergeant who served 12 years in the United States Army, passed away. He was stationed at Fort Liberty in Fayetteville, North Carolina but was at Fort Jackson for Drill Sergeant Academy training.
Contreras was found dead at 11:20 p.m. after he was pronounced missing at 1 p.m. during training. We’ve been waiting for the results of the autopsy. Well, the family sat down with WIS News 10, after sharing the autopsy report.
“He was wonderful. He was precious. I always refer to him as my precious son. My precious daughter,” said Contreras’s mother Thelma Gomez, as she reflected on the memory of her son.
“He was just always happy I think. I’ve never really saw him angry,” added Contreras’s sister, Lorizelda Stoeller.
The family still has questions about the details surrounding Contreras’s death.
“Early on the medical examiner called — and this is something I will never forget. He says your sons death is a mystery to me. And, I’m thinking you’re the medical examiner. Why is my son’s death a mystery to you?” said Gomez.
WIS Investigates team contacted Fort Jackson to ask the specific timing, sequence of events when the search began, and if there was any delay. The post’s response — reiterated by the statements made by Brig. Gen. Kelly in a press conference back in June of 2023:
“Immediately following the return time for the course, a search was begun by Drill Sergeant Academy cadre and candidates. Cadre called Sgt. 1st Class Contreras’ cell phone, and began a physical search of the training area with Drill Sergeant Academy cadre and candidates.”
The family said they still don’t understand why it took so long to locate Contreras, whose body was found only 50 meters off the land navigation course, according to Fort Jackson’s Incident Commander Maj. John Ferrell.
In reference to Contreras’s cause of death, the Army requires candidates meet physical fitness standards and pass all events of the Army Combat Fitness Test to complete basic training before being accepted into the Drill Sergeant Academy.
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