Pennsylvania National Guard Servicewoman Dies In Training Accident

Pennsylvania National Guard member Mackenzie Shay died over the weekend in a training accident, military officials confirmed.

The incident took place on Oct. 22. The 20-year-old specialist from New Castle died in a crash involving two military vehicles at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County, said reports.

Three other soldiers involved in the accident were treated for their injuries at Hershey Medical Center and have since been released.

Shay's mother Tina Lee Shay said she “can’t even begin” to describe how the family is feeling while talking to the media on Tuesday morning.

Army Major General Mark J. Schindler shared his thoughts on the unfortunate incident. He mentioned the army's priority of taking care of Shay's family and the soldiers and ensuring that they have all the resources they need during the current situation.

He said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Specialist Mackenzie Shay’s family, friends, and colleagues after this tragic accident,” in a statement.

“Our priority right now is taking care of the family and soldiers, ensuring they have all the resources they need during this critical time,” he added.

Investigations into the accident are still ongoing. Shay was a 92F Army Petroleum Supply Specialist assigned to the 28th Infantry Division’s Company G, 128th Brigade Support Battalion.

She graduated from Mohawk High School in 2020 and was a student at Slippery Rock University, New Castle News reported Monday.

“It broke my heart to hear this,” David Bredl, Shay’s former high school cross country and track coach, told the local newspaper. “[Mackenzie] was a really smart girl. She was a little feisty and fiery, and always tried to do her best and make her mark. I thoroughly enjoyed working with her.”

Shay started talking about joining the military in her junior year, Bredl said. She had a job lined up in Colorado for after college, and loved being in the National Guard, said reports.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf ordered all state and US flags, including those at the state Capitol in Harrisburg, to fly half-staff in Shay’s honor.
The flags will remain lowered until the date of internment, which has not yet been announced.