Troy Smith Knutson-Collins
Private, United States Army
Age – 28
October 19, 1996 – April 1, 2025
Battle Creek, MI
United States Army 3rd Infantry Division,
Fox Company 1-41 Field Artillery Unit, Fort Stewart, GA
Died in a vehicle accident while deployed to Lithuania
Troy Smith Knutson-Collins, 28, passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, while on active duty with the United States Army 3rd Infantry Division, Fox Company 1-41 Field Artillery Unit, serving on deployment in Lithuania. At the time the soldiers were reported missing March 25, they had been conducting a maintenance mission with an M88A2 Hercules armored vehicle to recover another Army vehicle at a training area near Pabadre, Army officials previously said. The soldiers, permanently stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, were deployed to Lithuania as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, which has been sending rotations into Europe since Russia invaded the Crimea region of Ukraine in 2014.
Troy was born on October 19, 1996, in Battle Creek, Michigan. He spent his early years in Battle Creek and graduated from Harper Creek High School in 2015. Following graduation, Troy worked several local jobs and played semi-pro football before enlisting in the United States Army.
He served his entire military career as a mechanic stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia. During his service, Troy deployed twice to Korea and was on his final deployment in Lithuania at the time of his passing. Known for his natural mechanical abilities, Troy loved working on projects around the house in his spare time. His hobbies included woodworking, football, and PC gaming. A passionate fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys, Troy was always full of energy—loud, sarcastic, fun-loving, and truly the life of the party. Above all, he was deeply family-oriented and loving.
According to the Army, Knutson-Collins graduated from the Army Basic Leader Course, the Advanced Leaders Course, the Tracked Vehicle Recovery Operations course, and the Combat Lifesaver course. He deployed to Korea in 2020.
His awards include the Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Master Technician Badge.
Troy is survived by his wife, Ayrelle Knutson-Collins of Fort Stewart, Georgia; and five children: Braylee, Kendra, Emery, Leif, and Skadi.