In the pre-dawn hours of Wednesday, August 23, 2017, a tragedy unfolded at the Fort Carson Army post just outside of Colorado Springs, Colorado, cutting short the life of a young soldier. Twenty-year-old Specialist Matthew R. Turcotte, a male infantryman, was participating in a combined arms live-fire training exercise when he was accidentally shot. It was approximately 2:30 a.m. when the fatal incident occurred on a southern range of the sprawling military installation.
Despite receiving extensive medical aid at the scene, his injuries were too severe, and he was pronounced dead on the range.
Matthew, originally from North Smithfield, Rhode Island, had embarked on his military career with youthful enthusiasm, joining the Army on August 10, 2015. After completing his initial training, he arrived at Fort Carson on December 8, 2015, where he was assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, part of the 4th Infantry Division. In his two years of service, he had already experienced a deployment to Kosovo. His commitment to his country and his fellow soldiers was evident in his service.
The news of his untimely death sent ripples of grief through his family and his military community. He was remembered by his command as a 'tremendous soldier' who 'exemplified commitment to our Army and selfless service to our Nation.' The Army immediately launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accidental shooting. At the time, no further details about the specifics of the incident were released, and there was no mention of any arrests or suspects as the event was characterized as a tragic accident. Left to mourn his loss were his wife, his parents, and his sisters.
