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Soldiers In Fatal I-95 Crash Served In Operation Iraqi Freedom

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. – Both soldiers in the military truck that overturned on Interstate 95 on Thursday, killing one, were based out of Stratford, Conn., and were decorated veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom, according to the Connecticut Army National Guard.

A two-car crash killed one soldier and injured another, both of whom served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

A two-car crash killed one soldier and injured another, both of whom served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Photo Credit: Brian Donnelly
Photo Credit: Brian Donnelly

The passenger who died at the scene was identified as Bridgeport, Conn. resident Staff Sgt. Ronald Patterson Jr., 43.

The National Guard identified the driver as Shelton, Conn., resident Sgt. First Class Kayla Anne Downey, 31. She remains at a local hospital and is being treated for injuries that have been described as serious.

Both soldiers are members of A Company, 192nd Engineer Battalion, Connecticut Army National Guard based out of Stratford.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Staff Sgt. Patterson and with Sgt. 1st Class Downey and her family,” said Maj. Gen. Thaddeus J. Martin, adjutant general and commander of the Connecticut National Guard. “The full resources of the Connecticut National Guard will be available to the families and fellow Soldiers of Patterson and Downey who have been affected by this tragedy.”

Both soldiers received numerous awards and decorations for their service during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Civilian and military authorities are continuing to investigate the crash.

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