Fundraiser Started For Family Of Long Beach Soldier Who Died During Military Training

LONG BEACH, CA — Community members are rallying to fundraise for the family of a Long Beach soldier who died while taking part in a military training exercise last week.

Pvt. Andrey Okunev, 18, was taking part in a training exercise at Fort Leonard Wood in the Missouri Ozarks on Sept. 5, when he was injured, according to military officials. It's unclear what type of injury Okunev suffered, but he died at the fort's community hospital, according to the United States Army.

No other soldiers or personnel were injured during that training, authorities said. The 18-year-old's death is currently being investigated by Fort Leonard Wood law enforcement and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division.

Okunev was a National Guard soldier assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment.

In a fundraiser started to help his family with funeral costs and travel arrangements, Okunev was described as a "bright part" of the Belmont Shore and Long Beach community.

"Andrey will always be remembered for his kindness and great personality," the fundraiser states. "Even though his time was far too short, Andrey made a lasting impact on those around him."

The Long Beach American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), where Okunev was a longtime youth referee, remembered the 18-year-old as a fixture in the community who impacted people's lives both "on and off the field."

Okunev had just been named Long Beach's AYSO Referee of the Year for the 2024-2025 season.

"As we grieve together, we remember that our AYSO family is built on more than soccer—it’s built on caring for one another," the Long Beach AYSO said in a statement on social media. When a loss touches one of us, it touches us all.

The fundraiser has so far raised $10,324 out of its $18,000. Anyone looking to support Okunev's family can find the fundraiser here.