BIG BEND, TX. (THECOUNT) — Pfc. Mamady Kaba has been identified as the active duty US Army soldier who died while visiting Big Bend National Park with members of his platoon from Fort Bliss.
Kaba, 19, was killed around 3:30 p.m. on May 18 after slipping and falling into the Rio Grande river.
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Park dispatch was notified that a visitor was missing after falling into the Rio Grande near the Hot Springs. Witnesses searched the spot where Kaba had fallen in but sadly couldn’t locate him.
Big Bend National Park rangers responded and eventually located Kaba’s body, reports KENS5.
The park said in a statement, “This tragedy serves as an important reminder that even when water levels are low, hidden hazards exist, and swimming in the muddy waters of the Rio Grande is not recommended.”
Kaba was assigned to the 86th Expeditionary Signal Battalion.
Geo quick facts: Big Bend National Park is 801,163 acres of river canyons, desert & mountains with abundant wildlife & outdoor activities.