Army identifies 4th Georgia-based soldier found dead after going missing in Lithuania
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The fourth and final Georgia-based soldier who died after going missing in Lithuania has been identified by the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.
The four soldiers had been stationed at Georgia’s Fort Stewart.
On Tuesday, the 3rd Infantry Division identified three of the soldiers as Sgt. Jose Duenez, Jr., 25, of Joliet, Illinois, Sgt. Edvin F. Franco, 25, of Glendale, California, and Pfc. Dante D. Taitano, 21, of Dededo, Guam.
On Wednesday, the 3rd Infantry Division identified the fourth soldier as Staff Sgt. Troy S. Knutson-Collins, 28, of Battle Creek, Michigan.
On March 25, the soldiers went missing while conducting a mission to repair and tow a tactical vehicle. Their M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicle was later found submerged in water.
After conducting a search of the area, the U.S. Army and Lithuanian Armed Forces found the soldiers’ M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicle submerged in water on March 26.
Trump istration dismisses suit over Georgia election law
New AG Pam Bondi orders Justice Department to end the Biden-era lawsuit over voting rules.
“This loss is simply devastating,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, the 3rd Infantry Division commanding general. “These men were honored soldiers of the Marne Division. We are wrapping our arms around the families and loved ones of our soldiers during incredibly difficult time.”
They were deployed in of Operation Atlantic Resolve and were assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
The soldiers went missing on March 25th while conducing a mission to repair and tow a tactical vehicle.
After conducting a search of the area, the U.S. Army and Lithuanian Armed Forces found the soldiers’ M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicle submerged in water on March 26th.
On March 30th, the Archbishop Metropolitan of Vilnius, Gintaras Grušas, led a mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Stanislaus and St. Ladislaus of Vilnius in honor of the soldiers and their families.
After six days, the vehicle was removed from water on March 31st with the help of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, Lithuanian Armed Forces and the Polish Armed Forces.
After six days of relentless effort in Pabradė, the armoured vehicle was finally pulled from the swamp last night.
— Lithuanian MOD 🇱🇹 (@Lithuanian_MoD) March 31, 2025
In a release, Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, 3rd Inf. Div. commanding general, said:
“The Soldiers we have lost in this tragedy were not just Soldiers - they were a part of our family. Our hearts are heavy with a sorrow that echoes across the whole Marne Division, both forward and at home. We stand in grief with the families and loved ones of these extraordinary ‘Dogface Soldiers’ during this unimaginable time. But the search isn’t finished until everyone is home. Words cannot express our gratitude to those still working around the clock during these extensive search and recovery efforts and your unwavering commitment not to rest until all are found.”
Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commander of Task Force Iron and the 1st Armored Division, said:
“Today is a very sad and tragic day. The loss of these Soldiers weighs heavy on me, the hearts of all Task Force Iron service , and the 3rd Infantry Division. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of these brave Soldiers. I’d like to personally commend the heroic efforts of the search parties, and especially our Lithuanian allies who were instrumental in the recovery efforts. Their courage and commitment to this operation will always be ed and demonstrates the strong relationship between our countries. However, search and recovery efforts are not complete - they will continue until we bring all of our Soldiers home.”
U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams resigns as Georgia Democratic Party chair
U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams, who came under heavy criticism from several prominent Georgia Democrats in the aftermath of the 2024 presidential election, resigned Monday as chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia.
Col. James Armstrong, 1st Armored Brigade Commander, said:
“The Raider family is heartbroken over the tragic loss of our Soldiers. We are ensuring we provide the needed to their families and our Soldiers as we go through this grieving process. We are an incredibly tight-knit family, and their absence is keenly felt, and we will hold them close in our memories. I want to extend my personal thanks to everyone who assisted in the search and recovery efforts. The Raider Brigade is incredibly appreciative of all the we received from our Lithuanian and Polish Allies, and our brothers and sisters of the Army, Navy, and Air Force who contributed to helping us recover our Soldiers. We will never forget the dedication, commitment and teamwork that enabled us to recover our Soldiers and provide closure for their families. We are truly stronger together.”
The U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
