An Oklahoma National Guard corporal died Monday while taking part in a training exercise at Fort Benning in Georgia, officials said. Corporal Clinton Vaught also worked as a detention officer at the Oklahoma County Detention Center, where colleagues described him as a steady presence. Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances of his death.
According to KOCO, Vaught was on military duty and participating in a training exercise at the post when he died. The report by Abigail Ogle, updated April 6, 2026, notes that the station asked the Oklahoma National Guard for more information but had not received a response as of 5 p.m. Monday.
Oklahoma County Detention Center Remembers
Staff at the detention center told KOCO they remembered Vaught for “serving his country with honor, integrity and dedication.” The facility said he “will never forget the impact that he made on those around him,” and offered condolences to his family.
Where It Happened
Fort Benning, the U.S. Army’s Maneuver Center of Excellence near Columbus, Ga., is a major training installation that hosts infantry and armor schools and a range of tenant units, the Army says. The post trains thousands of soldiers each year in initial military training and functional courses and serves as a regional hub for active-duty and reserve-component exercises, according to the U.S. Army.
What’s Next
The Oklahoma National Guard and the detention center said they will provide updates if more information becomes available. Hoodline will continue to track official statements and local reporting and will update this story as additional details are released.
