Clarke County soldier dies in training exercise

A soldier who died during a training exercise in Hawaii was a 26-year-old combat engineer from Clarke County, the U.S. Army said Friday.

Sgt. Renardo Deshun Dukes, of Pachuta, was killed Thursday in a training incident on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The Army didn’t release additional details about his death, saying Army authorities are investigating.

Dukes was one of 4,000 soldiers participating in the Lightning Forge training exercise at various locations on the islands of Oahu and Hawaii, the Army said. The military had warned the public about the “large-scale training exercise,” saying it would involve the use of “blank ammunition and explosive simulators.”

Dukes was assigned to the 65th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks in central Oahu. He enlisted in the Army in August 2010, the Army said. He previously served in Germany and Colorado and moved to Schofield Barracks in December 2014. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 and 2013.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige extended his condolences to the soldier’s family, and to “those who served alongside that soldier.”

Local News

Meridian City Council to hold work session Wednesday

Local News

Students compete in county spelling bee

Local News

Five Mississippi icons added to The MAX Hall of Fame

News

MSDH confirms season’s first pediatric flu death

News

Woman wanted on felony warrants

Local News

‘Faith brought him home:’ Remains identified as missing Meridian man

Local News

MSU-Meridian seats fifth Master of Physician Assistant Studies cohort in Mississippi’s only public program

Local News

Community celebrates Juicy Guru with ribbon cutting

Local News

The MAX adds stars to Walk of Fame

Local News

MCC honors Dr. King’s legacy with call to protect freedom, justice, democracy

Local News

MCM-Meridian Storytelling Festival set for Saturday

Breaking news

Remains identified as missing Meridian man

Local News

Council approves sewer project, paving contract

Local News

Grand jury hears cases, recommends new jail

Local News

Area schools announce plans to hold Wednesday classes

Local News

Natural gas pipeline project seeks public input

News

Conserve power, save money during bitter cold

Local News

MCC Associate Degree Nursing Program extends application deadline to Jan. 31

Local News

Marion aldermen discuss water adjustment policy

Local News

Meridian, Lauderdale County schools close Tuesday

Local News

PHOTO GALLERY: 2025 MLK Day Parade

Local News

Community remembers King at annual prayer breakfast

Local News

MSU-Meridian to hold remote operations Tuesday

Local News

PHOTO GALLERY: 40th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast