An Illinois Army National Guard soldier who had already served overseas was killed in a vehicle crash while returning home from a community outreach event, officials said.

Spc. Aiden Mrotek, 21, of Carpentersville, Illinois, was fatally injured Sunday night after the vehicle he was driving struck a bridge guardrail near Manlius, according to the Illinois National Guard and local authorities.

The crash occurred at approximately 8:48 p.m. on September 6 along 2000 North Avenue, west of Route 40. Mrotek was reportedly returning home after assisting with the Illinois Army National Guard’s community outreach efforts in Kewanee.

He died from his injuries at the scene.

Soldier Had Already Served Overseas
Mrotek joined the Illinois Army National Guard’s 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment, based in Kewanee, in May 2023.

His military service included a yearlong deployment to Djibouti, Africa, from September 2024 through September 2025, where he supported U.S. military counterterrorism operations.

Despite being only 21, Mrotek had already earned several military awards during his service, including the Army Achievement Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

He also received the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon.

National Guard Remembers Fallen Soldier
Brig. Gen. Lenny Williams, assistant adjutant general-Army of the Illinois National Guard, remembered Mrotek as a dedicated and patriotic soldier.

Williams said Mrotek had already deployed overseas in support of U.S. military counterterrorism operations at a young age and described him as someone who represented the mission of the National Guard both in service to the country and to his local community.

Although Mrotek’s duties in Kewanee had ended, he remained on orders at the time of the crash, according to the Illinois Army National Guard.

Community Mourns 21-Year-Old Soldier
News of Mrotek’s death has prompted tributes from members of the community, including the Algonquin Argonauts youth football and cheer program.

His death marks the loss of a young service member who had already dedicated years to the National Guard and completed an overseas deployment before his life was cut short.

The crash remains under investigation by local authorities.

Course: NY Post