Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr. Death, Obituary News – A tragic training accident in Lithuania has claimed the life of 25-year-old Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr. of Joliet, along with three fellow U.S. Army soldiers. Their armored vehicle was found submerged in a muddy bog near a training site, days after they were first reported missing.
A Heartbreaking Loss for the Duenez Family
Duenez’s family is devastated by his passing, struggling to comprehend the sudden loss. His sister, Eva Jasso, described him as their “baby brother” but also “the strongest out of all of us.” The pain of losing him has been overwhelming.
Duenez was part of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia. He had been deployed in Lithuania for Operation Atlantic Resolve, a mission supporting U.S. and NATO military presence in Europe. The soldiers disappeared on March 25, and after an extensive search, their bodies were discovered inside their submerged vehicle on March 28.
A Young Soldier’s Commitment to Service
Born and raised in Joliet, Duenez was one of six siblings. His family and friends recall his deep sense of duty and his lifelong desire to serve his country. After graduating high school in 2017, he enlisted in the Army, fulfilling a calling he had long expressed.
One of his childhood friends, Fidel Mercado, an Army veteran, had spoken to him just days before he went missing. “It doesn’t feel real,” Mercado said, still in shock over his friend’s death.
Jarius Harris, a Navy veteran and close friend, described how difficult it was to process the news. “I was like his big brother. I just couldn’t believe it,” he said.
Leaving Behind a Young Family
Duenez leaves behind a wife and a one-year-old son, adding to the sorrow his loved ones now face. To help support his family, a GoFundMe page was launched, quickly raising over $15,000 to assist with funeral expenses and financial support for his wife and child.
His sister, Beatriz Duenez, expressed gratitude for the community’s generosity. “Every little thing means so much to us in a time like this,” she said, deeply moved by the support from friends, family, and strangers alike.
Faith as a Source of Strength
As the family grieves, they are turning to their faith for comfort. Jasso believes that her brother is now at peace. “He served God, and he was serving his country. So, we take comfort knowing he’s with God right now,” she said.
The tragedy has also resonated deeply in Joliet, where the community is remembering Duenez as a dedicated soldier, a loving father, and a proud son of the city. His sacrifice, along with that of his fellow soldiers, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers military personnel face, even in training exercises.
Ongoing Investigation
The U.S. Army has yet to release specific details about how the soldiers’ vehicle ended up submerged. Investigators are working to determine what led to the accident, ensuring that their deaths are fully understood and that safety protocols are reviewed.
As the community mourns, Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr.’s legacy of bravery, service, and dedication will not be forgotten.