A U.S. Army soldier was killed on Aug. 12, after he was struck by a car while trying to assist others at an accident scene in Killeen, Texas, near Fort Hood.
In a Tuesday press release, officials at Fort Hood identified the soldier killed as Spc. Cole Jakob Aton, 22, of Science Hill, Kentucky. Aton entered the Army in March 2018 and served as an Army Patriot Launching Station Enhanced Operator-Maintainer. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 44th Artillery Regiment, 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade based out of Fort Hood.
Aton’s awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
Aton was providing assistance at an accident scene on U.S. Highway 190/Interstate 14 when he was killed. The incident happened around 8:40 p.m. when Aton was working to direct traffic around a minor accident, the Army Times reported. As Aton was directing traffic a 2015 Chevrolet Cruz approached and could not avoid hitting him, the Texas Department of Public Safety said in a statement.
“The command wishes to express its condolences to the families and friends of Specialist Jakob Aton, and all who have been affected by this tragic accident,” Col. Ethan Hall, commander 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade said in a statement Tuesday.
“Specialist Aton was a professional, committed to the mission. His selfless service and care for others are in keeping with the highest traditions of the ‘Lightning Brigade’ and our Army,” Hall continued. The entire team is heartbroken. Our priority right now is to take care of his family, ensuring they have all the resources they need during this critical time.”
