Owatonna Native Dies in National Guard Training Exercise

An Owatonna native has died in a National Guard training exercise in South Carolina. Nineteen-year-old Pvt. Connor J. McGurran was found unresponsive Wednesday following a basic training exercise in Fort Jackson, SC according to a report in the Star Tribune.

Authorities are investigating. A Minnesota National Guard spokesperson said she did not have information about the training exercise he was taking part in or the circumstances of his death. The report states that Army officials transported him to a hospital when he was found unresponsive. McGurran was pronounced dead at the hospital.

McGurran enlisted in September after obtaining his GED and was training with the Arden Hills, MN Recruit Sustainment Program. He had reported to South Carolina in October and was training to maintain Bradley Fighting Vehicles.

Lt. Col. Eduardo Suarez, a commander of recruiting, said in a statement, "I extend my deepest sympathies and prayers to the family and loved ones of Pvt. Connor McGurran. He was a soldier with a promising future in our organization."

Senator John Jaskinski (R-Faribault) released a statement, saying, "I am filled with sorrow today. It is always a horrible feeling losing a brother or sister of the armed forces. As we wait for more information about what happened, I hope Pvt. McGurran's family knows that all of Minnesota is grieving with them."