A 19-year-old Connecticut National Guardsman was killed in an accident in Waterbury on Tuesday morningthree days before the scheduled date of marriage.
Joshua Alicea Tirado, of Waterbury, was with C Co., 1-102nd Infantry, according to Maj. Gen. Francis J. Evon Jr., adjutant general of the Connecticut National Guard.
Alicea Tirado was involved in a two-vehicle accident that occurred on Watertown Avenue at 5:20 am Tuesday. He was taken to the hospital, where he died a short time later.
The other driver’s injuries were not life-threatening, police said.
Alicea Tirado, who worked as a mechanic in her private life, had been in the Connecticut National Guard for two years.
“I want to send my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fellow soldiers of Spc. Josué Alicea Tirado of C Co., 1-102nd Infantry. The loss of this young man so close to what should have been the happiest day of his life makes this tragedy even harder to swallow,” Evon said on social media.
Evon encourages Soldiers and Airmen to support each other during this difficult time and to use the resources of the Connecticut National Guard, including the Behavioral Health Hotline, Family Program and State Support Chaplain, if they need support.
“There is no shame in reaching out for support,” Evon said in a press release about the death of Alicea Tirado.
Waterbury Police are investigating the accident and are asking anyone with information to call (203) 346-3975.