The U.S. Army has identified Staff Sgt. Troy S. Knutson-Collins as the fourth soldier who died during a recovery mission in Lithuania. Knutson-Collins, 28, was from Battle Creek, Michigan, and was stationed at Fort Stewart in Georgia. He, along with fellow soldiers Jose Duenez Jr. and Edvin Franco, was posthumously promoted to the rank of staff sergeant.
The incident occurred when their vehicle was found submerged in a forested area near Lithuania’s border with Belarus. The soldiers went missing on March 25, and after extensive recovery efforts involving multiple military and civilian agencies, their bodies were found. The recovery operation included significant resources such as digging, pumping, and dive teams, with the vehicle being discovered approximately 13 feet below the surface.
Knutson-Collins was an artillery mechanic with more than seven years of service, having been stationed at Fort Stewart since February 2018 and deployed to Korea in 2020. His loss is deeply felt by his unit, described by his commander as an irreplaceable member and exceptional friend.
Loved ones have initiated online fundraisers to support the families of the deceased soldiers. These fundraisers aim to assist with burial costs and provide support to the families during this difficult time.
