El Paso, Texas – Sgt. Maj. Benito Canales, a respected member of the U.S. Army and a native of McKinney, Texas, tragically passed away during a hiking expedition in the Franklin Mountains on Thursday, August 15, 2024. Canales, 39, who had a distinguished military career and was a graduate of the Sergeants Major Academy Class 73, was found unconscious on the Ron Coleman Trail by search and rescue teams. His death has left the community and his family in deep mourning.
The El Paso Fire Department (EPFD) received reports of a hiker in distress near McKelligon Canyon at 1:21 p.m. Combined Search and Rescue teams were dispatched, but despite their efforts, Canales’ death was confirmed an hour later. The tragic incident has led to an outpouring of grief from those who knew him.
Facebook has been flooded with tributes from friends, colleagues, and fellow service members who remember Canales as a dedicated leader and a caring individual. Tim Long, who served under him, expressed his sorrow by saying, "RIP SGM, truly shaped me as a 1SG. Truly cared about everyone under his charge. Still trying to process this as he cared and engaged with every interaction."
Another tribute from Ashley Shepherd highlights the deep impact Canales had on those he led, "This is so terrible and it breaks my heart. I had such wonderful 1SGs in Baltimore with Mario Peete and 1SG Canales. This is awful."
The Noncommissioned Officer Leadership Center of Excellence and the Sergeants Major Academy released a statement expressing their condolences and acknowledging Canales’ contributions to the Army and his community. "We kindly request that you offer the Canales family your sincere condolences at this difficult time of loss," the statement read.
Canales’ death is a significant loss for the Fort Bliss community and all who knew him. His dedication to his country and his unwavering support for his fellow soldiers will not be forgotten.