Matthew Glen Nish
Cause of Death: Died from heat exhaustion in final week of training
“Matthew was serving with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 60th Inf. Regt. 1st Platoon based at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He collapsed and died fromheat exhaustion during his final week of basic training exercises, making every effort to accomplish what he had set his mind to. He was 18 years of age. ” – Obit
“Nine miles lay between Pvt. Matthew Nish and his graduation from basic training. After eight weeks of sickness and grueling physical training in the South Carolina summer, the 18-year-old National Guardsman from Pleasant Grove was almost done.
He had spent three days in “Victory Forge,” the last field exercise before graduation. After 72 hours of living in a foxhole during simulated combat in 99-degree weather, he packed his gear and began the trek toward base, the final lap before the finish line.
Nine miles. He never made it.
About six miles into the hike, Nish collapsed from heat stroke. He was rushed to a hospital, where he died July 14, about an hour after being admitted.” – Article 1