One soldier was killed and three were injured in a recent crash of two military vehicles in a Pennsylvania military training area over the weekend.
The soldier killed was 20-year-old Spc. Mackenzie L. Shay, according to The Associated Press. She was a Pennsylvania National Guard member from New Castle, according to local outlet CBS 21.
The three injured were treated at Hershey Medical Center and released, officials told AP.
The crash took place Saturday, Oct. 22 at Fort Indiantown Gap, a National Guard training center about 25 miles northeast of Harrisburg, where the state’s guard is headquartered, according to AP.
It happened during a routine supply mission in a remote training area of the fort, fort officials told CBS 21.
Officials reportedly released no other information about the crash, which is under investigation, according to AP.
“Our priority right now is taking care of the family and soldiers, ensuring they have all the resources they need during this critical time,” said Army Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, adjutant general for the Pennsylvania National Guard.
Local outlet New Castle News reported that Shay was a 2020 high school graduate and a student at Slippery Rock University.
One of Shay’s high school teachers, who also coached her in track and cross country, told New Castle News her death “broke” his heart.
“She was a really smart girl,” he said. “She was a little feisty and fiery, and always tried to do her best and make her mark. I thoroughly enjoyed working with her.”
He said he noticed Shay talk about military service in her junior year.
“I knew that’s what she wanted to do,” he said. “She strove to be good and always pushed herself. She always tried to give 100 percent.”
Fort Indiantown Gap provides “commander-centric” training support and full-spectrum combat training to all types of units, according to its website. It also offers opportunities to law enforcement and homeland defense professionals.
