CT National Guard Soldier Killed in Accident Identified

Written By Wendy Ann Mitchell

The Connecticut National Guard soldier who died yesterday as the result of a crash on I-95S in Rye, N.Y., has been identified, according toArmyTimes.com.

Ronald Patterson Jr., 43, of Bridgeport was killed Thursday, August 7, when the military truck he was traveling in rolled over after an accident on I-95. He was the passenger in a truck headed to Fort Dix in New Jersey. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the guardsman who was driving the truck and the driver of a sedan who was also injured.

The crash occurred at 10:22 a.m. in the southbound lane of I-95 at Exit 21 at the connection to Interstate 287. After shutting down the highway completely for accident reconstruction Thursday, New York State police determined that the truck and a southbound vehicle collided, causing the truck to roll over, ejecting both soldiers.

Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy has ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the soldier who died in the accident. Flags will remain at half-staff until services are held. Gov. Malloy and Lt Gov. Nancy Wyman issued a joint statement:

“The men and women of the National Guard provide an invaluable service to our state and our country – they are extraordinary ambassadors for Connecticut and the United States. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of all of those involved in today’s accident. We join the Connecticut National Guard in mourning the loss of one of our brave soldiers, and our prayers for a quick and full recovery go out to the soldier who was injured.”