August 9, 2023
Hailey was an exceptional leader.
Lt. Col. Joseph M. Byerly, 4th Squadron Commander, on the death of 24-year-old 1st Lt. Hailey Hodsden.
Why It Matters: Hailey, a platoon leader with the regiment’s 4th Squadron, was killed during an accident when an armored Stryker vehicle (a combat vehicle – see Stryker vehicles here) she was riding in was struck by a semi-truck on the Autobahn – a high-speed highway in Germany. The accident is under investigation. This was the second accident involving a military vehicle in Germany during the same week (eight soldiers were injured days earlier in a tactical vehicle), and follows another accident in April.
- No other soldiers were injured or killed.
- 24-year-old Hodsden graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. She's one of eight children.
- She is survived by her parents, both graduates of West Point, her older brothers: SGT Scott Hodsden and 1Lt. Luke Hodsden (a West Point Grad) and her younger siblings: CDT. Max Hodsden (entering his senior year at West Point), Jenna (19), Taylor (17), Ellie (16), and Nicholas (12).
- Lt. Col Byerly went on to say: "… we are reminded of the courage and commitment that she displayed each day. She was a true example for others to emulate.”
by Jenna Lee,
