United States Army Biological Warfare Laboratories - Work-related Deaths

Work-related Deaths

Three deaths related to occupational bio-agent exposures occurred during the USBWL program. (Additionally, an unnamed lieutenant died in a pump explosion in Building 201 in 1943.)

• William Allen Boyles, a 46-year old microbiologist, contracted anthrax and died on 25 November 1951. Broyles Street, on Fort Detrick, is named in his honor.
• Joel Eugene Willard, a 53-year old electrician, died in 1958 after contracting pulmonary anthrax. Willard Place, on Fort Detrick, is named in his honor.
• Albert Nickel, a 53-year old animal caretaker, died in 1964 after being bitten by an animal infected with Machupo virus. Nickel Place, on Fort Detrick, is named in his honor.

The Army made details of these deaths public in 1975.