Mackenzie Shay: Pennsylvania National Guard member, 20, tragically dies in training accident
NEW CASTLE, PENNSYLVANIA: A 20-year-old Pennsylvania National Guard member died in a training accident over the weekend following a collision with two military vehicles at Fort Indiantown Gap. Specialist Mackenzie Shay, also known as Mack, who heartbroken friends remember as 'feisty and fiery,' died on Saturday, October 22. She is one of the many soldiers that have died during training. Three others were rushed to a local hospital but were released later.
Shay graduated from Mohawk High School in 2021 and was a student at Slippery Rock University. The soldier was remembered by her loved ones. "It broke my heart to hear this," Mohawk cross country coach Dave Bredl told New Castle News. "She was a really smart girl. She was a little feisty and fiery, and always tried to do her best and make her mark." The coach added that Shay wanted to serve in the military since her junior year.
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Shay's mother, Tina Lee Shay told the New York Post that she cannot describe how her family is feeling. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Specialist Mackenzie Shay’s family, friends, and colleagues after this tragic accident,” Army Maj Gen Mark J Schindler said 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.”
The 20-year-old was a member of the 28th Infantry Division's Company G, 128th Brigade Support Battalion as a 92F Army Petroleum Supply Specialist. The details of the crash have not been released and the cause of the accident remains under investigation. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf ordered all state and US flags, including those at the state Capitol in Harrisburg, to fly at half-staff in Shay’s honor. The date hasn't been set yet.
Shay's loved ones were devastated after her unexpected death. Kyleigh Lasky posted a short and bittersweet tribute on Facebook that featured a series of photos of the soldier. "Mack Shay, we may not have been as close as we once were this last year but you were still at one point my best friend. Thank you for being you and for teaching me so much about myself. Your smile and laugh will never be forgotten. Rest easy pretty girl."
She later added, "My heart truly breaks for all of Mack's friends and family. This is so tragic. She still had so much life to live. But, if there is one thing she did ever teach me, it's always to live life to the fullest."
Danny Kent wrote, "This world is so unpredictable. I'm very sorry for your family's loss. RIP Mack Shay. You were so young. I just can't believe it." "This is crazy... I can't believe the news RIP Mack Shay," Dakota Meadows added. "Thank you for coming into my life. Till we meet again."