UPDATE: Air Force investigation finds unanchored wall, force contributed to fatal pool mishap at Robins AFB
A newly released Air Force report reveals that the bathhouse wall collapse that killed 14-year-old Gabriel Lee Stone at Robins Air Force Base last year happened because the structure was unanchored and was toppled due to external force.
UPDATE (1/31/25): A newly released Air Force report reveals that the bathhouse wall collapse that killed 14-year-old Gabriel Lee Stone at Robins Air Force Base last year happened because the structure was unanchored and was toppled due to external force.
According to an Air Force Material Command news release, the Ground Accident Investigation (GAIB) report, led by Brig. Gen. Patrick G. Miller, found no structural deficiencies in the 7-foot-4-inch, 3,300-pound masonry wall, but it was not properly anchored when built in 1969, despite code requirements at the time.
The investigation could not determine whether anyone was climbing on the wall before it fell, as witness accounts varied. However, the report found no prior maintenance concerns or reported problems with the structure.
“Post-mishap analysis of the wall did not indicate a structural failure,” the release stated. “Rather, it fell over after some external force was applied.”
At this time, it’s unclear if Robins AFB plans to take further action regarding the bathhouse structure or other facilities on base.
“The primary purpose of the board was to investigate the mishap and provide a publicly releasable report of the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident,” the release stated.
The full GAIB report is available here.
A week after his death, Stone’s family announced the launch of its own independent investigation.
ORIGINAL STORY (7/23/24):
WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A 14-year-old is dead after a wall collapsed on him at Heritage Pool on Robins Air Force Base on Monday afternoon, according to Houston County Coroner James Williams.
According to a Robins Air Force Base spokesperson, the victim was injured when a wall collapsed on him and three others after 3 p.m. on Monday. One person was treated on scene and three others were transported to local hospitals.
Coroner Williams says two people were transported by ambulance to hospitals in Macon. Their injuries are unknown at this time. The victim was transported to Houston Healthcare in Warner Robins and was later pronounced dead.
According to Houston County Coroner James Williams, an autopsy is scheduled later this week with the GBI Crime Lab in Macon as part of the death investigation. Coroner Williams confirms the wall was a concrete wall inside a restroom area at Heritage Pool.
This collapse is currently under investigation. The Heritage Club pool will remain closed until further notice.
Robins Air Force Base released the following statement:
“Our hearts are broken for these individuals and their families. We remain committed to supporting our Airmen and their loved ones as we navigate this difficult time for Team Robins,” said Col. Deedrick Reese, Installation and 78th Air Base Wing commander. “We want to thank the first responders – including lifeguards, installation and community personnel – who responded to this tragic incident with compassion and professionalism.”
Robins Air Force Base is not releasing the names of the individuals because they are minors. Chaplain support is available for the individuals, their families and those who were on scene.
