The devastating news of a fourth soldier’s death following a tragic training accident in Lithuania has left a profound mark on the U.S. Army community and the families of those lost. On Wednesday, the 3rd Infantry Division officially identified the soldier as Staff Sgt. Troy S. Knutson-Collins, a 28-year-old artillery mechanic from Battle Creek, Michigan. Knutson-Collins, who had dedicated over seven years of his life to serving his country, was a seasoned member of the Army, with a deployment to Korea in 2020 underscoring his commitment to duty. His loss, alongside those of three fellow soldiers, has cast a somber shadow over their unit and the broader military community.
Just a day earlier, on Tuesday, the 3rd Infantry Division released the names of the other three soldiers who perished in the same incident: Sgt. Jose Duenez, Jr., 25, from Joliet, Illinois; Sgt. Edvin F. Franco, 25, from Glendale, California; and Pfc. Dante D. Taitano, 21, from Dededo, Guam. These young men, all stationed at Fort Stewart in Georgia, were part of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, a unit known for its readiness and resilience. Their deaths during what should have been a routine training exercise have raised questions and deepened the sense of grief felt by those who knew them and the public at large.
The incident occurred on March 25, when the four soldiers were engaged in a mission to repair and tow a tactical vehicle as part of their training in Lithuania, a Baltic nation where U.S. forces have been present to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank. Details of the operation remain limited, but what is known is that the soldiers and their armored vehicle went missing that day. A search ensued, and on March 26, the vehicle was discovered submerged in a swampy, treacherous area of the training grounds. The harsh terrain and unforgiving conditions likely complicated the recovery efforts that followed.
It wasn’t until March 31 that the bodies of Duenez, Franco, and Taitano were retrieved, a grim milestone in the unfolding tragedy. Knutson-Collins, however, remained unaccounted for until April 1, when his body was finally located, bringing a bittersweet sense of closure to the search. The discovery of all four soldiers has provided some relief to their comrades and commanders, though it does little to ease the heartache of their loss. Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, the commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, captured this sentiment in a statement: “Although we are relieved to have found all our Dogface Soldiers, it does not make the pain of their loss any less.” His words reflect the duality of this moment—gratitude for resolution, tempered by the weight of sorrow.
The soldiers’ unit, affectionately known as the “Dogface Soldiers,” now turns its attention to honoring their memory and supporting the families left behind. The Army has emphasized that its priority is providing care and resources to the loved ones grappling with this sudden and profound loss. Plans are already in motion to bring the soldiers home. A formal dignified departure ceremony is scheduled for Thursday in Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital, where military honors will be rendered before the fallen are transported back to the United States. Their journey will end at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, a place that has too often served as the somber homecoming for America’s fallen heroes.
The circumstances surrounding the accident remain under investigation, with military officials working to determine how a routine mission turned deadly. The swampy terrain where the vehicle was found suggests environmental factors may have played a role, but no official conclusions have been released. For now, the focus remains on remembrance and respect for the lives cut short. Knutson-Collins, Duenez, Franco, and Taitano were more than soldiers—they were sons, brothers, and friends, each with dreams and futures that will never be realized.
As the nation awaits further details, the story of these four soldiers serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in military service, even during peacetime exercises. Their sacrifice, though unintended, underscores the dedication of those who wear the uniform. For the families, the road ahead will be one of healing and reflection, supported by a grateful Army community determined to ensure they are not alone in their grief.