Sgt. Troy S. Knutson-Collins, Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr., Sgt. Edvin F. Franco, Pfc. Dante D. Taitano Death-Obituary: US Army Identifies Fourth Soldier Killed in Lithuania Training Accident
The US Army has identified Staff Sgt. Troy S. Knutson-Collins, 28, from Michigan, as the fourth soldier killed in a training accident in Lithuania. His body was recovered from a peat bog after a week-long search involving hundreds of troops and rescue workers.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred during a tactical training exercise when the soldiers’ M88A2 Hercules armored vehicle became stuck in the bog on March 25. The vehicle was later found submerged in 15 feet of water.
Victims of the Accident
– Staff Sgt. Troy S. Knutson-Collins, 28, from Michigan, an artillery mechanic with over seven years of service in the Army.
– Staff Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr., 25, from Illinois.
– Staff Sgt. Edvin F. Franco, 25, from California.
– Pfc. Dante D. Taitano, 21, from Guam.
Tributes and Ceremony
A ceremony will be held in Vilnius, Lithuania, to honor the four soldiers who lost their lives. The soldiers were part of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division ¹.
