The two US soldiers who died in a horror accident in Alaska when their transport vehicle overturned on the way to training have been identified.
Specialist Jeremy Daniel Evans, 23, of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Specialist Brian Joshua Snowden, 22, of Londell, Missouri, died in a “single military vehicle accident” around 11 a.m. Monday.
The light medium tactical vehicle was carrying 17 soldiers when the driver lost control on the outskirts of Salcha, Alaska, en route to the Yukon Training Area at Fort Wainwright Army Base.
First responders provided the victims with medical care before taking them to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital.
“We are a very close-knit group in the military, so the entire 11th Airborne Division is currently grieving and preparing to provide any necessary support to the families of those who died and support those who are still in the hospital and with theirs injuries,” said Army spokesman John Pennell.
Specialist Jeremy Daniel Evans and Specialist Brian Joshua Snowden were flown to Anchorage Providence Medical Center before they died after the horrific crash
The light medium tactical vehicle was carrying 17 soldiers when the driver lost control on the outskirts of Salcha, Alaska, en route to the Yukon Training Area at Fort Wainwright Army Base
The two most seriously injured people were flown to Anchorage Providence Medical Center. All but four soldiers were released from the hospital Monday.
Alaskan State Troopers, North Pole Fire Department and Eielson Air Force Base all responded to the crash.
Evans and Snowden both joined the Army in July 2020 and arrived in Alaska in early 2021. They were both members of the 11th Airborne Division.
Many sincere thanks were given to the fallen soldiers, as Snowden’s former school district in Missouri posted on its Facebook page on Thursday.
Snowden, 22, of Lonedell, Missouri, graduated from Grandview High School in 2020.
“We have learned that one of the two U.S. Army soldiers who died in an accident in Alaska on Monday graduated from Grandview R-II,” the district said in a post.
“Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to his family for their loss and we thank him for his service.”
His sister Dona Sappington also posted a picture of Snowden on Facebook and said: “7. January 2022. I had no idea this would be the last time I would ever see you.”
In another post, Sappington said, “I wish I could have seen you on the news because you did something stupid instead. ‘I miss you so much.’
Snowden (pictured) and Evans were both members of the 11th Airborne Division.
Snowden lived in Missouri before his Army career took him to Alaska
Since their deaths, tributes have been paid to the two fallen soldiers
Evans (pictured) and Snowden both joined the Army in July 2020 and arrived in Alaska in early 2021
Evans married his wife Sloane in 2021 as the couple met in her home state of Tennessee and have been together since 2015
Twelve additional soldiers were injured and taken to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital after Alaskan State Troopers, North Pole Fire Department and Eielson Air Force Base responded to the crash
Evans was from Tennessee and has been with his wife since 2015. Evans and Sloane married in August 2021.
Posting on Facebook about the couple’s first Christmas in Alaska, Sloane said: “Jeremy and I are so excited for everyone who has sent us a gift. Christmas was hard because we weren’t with everyone. “We love and miss everyone.”
The post included pictures of Jeremy and Sloane with their new Christmas presents.
Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan said in a statement Tuesday: “Members of the 11th Airborne Division, our state’s ‘Arctic Angels,’ put their lives on the line every day to defend our country, whether they are serving thousands of miles away or.” Conduct training exercises.” home.
Alaska depends on our strong military, and we are deeply grateful to them and their families for their service. Today the 11th Airborne Division needs our support and our prayers.”
Fort Wainright also posted a tribute to Facebook on Thursday, saying: “Although we are always challenged by the environment, we are Arctic Angels, we overcome these challenges and accomplish our mission by being a team, and teams take care of each other.” “, especially in times like these.”
The crash is being investigated by the army. The Army Combat Readiness Center in Alabama will also send an investigation team into the deaths.