APG Soldier who Died in Deer Creek Identified

Officials have identified the 19-year-old Aberdeen Proving Ground soldier who  of an apparent drowning.

Pvt. Anthony Carlson, originally from Oregon, was a trainee in the C Company 143rd Ordinance Battalion. He was with five fellow soldiers when the incident occurred.

“[They] were out on pass and they were … having fun at Rocks State Park and went swimming,” said George Mercer, spokesman for Aberdeen Proving Ground Public Affairs. “They were out there having a day off from rigorous training and an accident happened.”

Mercer said Carlson’s hometown and length of service were not immediately available.

“It’s a tragic event and we obviously regret very much the loss of a soldier and our condolences and thoughts go out to his family,” he said. “The Army is obviously concerned about all of its people on a personal and professional level and a loss like this is a tragic loss.”

Carlson went missing at about 4 p.m., when his friends heard him calling for help. When they could not find him, they sent for someone to call 911.

After more than an hour of searching, authorities shifted efforts to a recovery and the soldier's body was found at about 5:50 p.m. Cause of death has not been determined. Carlson’s body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy.

Maryland Natural Resources Police Sgt. Art Windemuth said alcohol and drugs were not factors in the death.