--- title: "West Point grad, Texas native killed in Stryker accident in Germany" description: "1st Lt. Hailey Hodsden was killed in Germany when a Stryker she was traveling in was struck by a civilian truck." date: "2023-08-03" modified: "2023-08-03" authors: - name: "Matt White" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://taskandpurpose.com/authors/matt-white/" url: "https://taskandpurpose.com/news/best-of-us-soldier-recalled-as-teammate-friend/" categories: - "Army" - "Around the World" - "Europe" - "Military Branches" - "News" tags: - "death" --- # West Point grad, Texas native killed in Stryker accident in Germany ![hailey hodsden 2nd cavalry regiment traffic death]() *1st Lt. Hailey Hodsden died in a traffic accident August 1 in Germany when the Stryker she was riding in was struck by a civilian truck. Photos from US Army, US Military Academy.* A 2nd Cavalry Regiment soldier killed in a Stryker accident on Tuesday in Germany was remembered as "absolutely the best of us" as a friend and soldier by a former teammate on the West Point rugby team. 1st Lt. Hailey Hodsden, a Texas native and 2021 graduate of the US Military Academy, was killed near the town of Tirschenreuth when the Stryker vehicle she was traveling in was struck by a civilian truck. Tirschenreuth is about 40 miles from the [2nd Cavalry Regiment's]() Rose Barracks in Vilseck, where Hodsden was assigned. The 24-year-old Dripping Springs, Texas, native had been in the unit for a little over a year, according to Army officials. [**Subscribe to Task & Purpose Today**]()**. Get the latest military news and culture in your inbox daily.** Hodsden commissioned as an armor officer from the US Military Academy, where [she played rugby](). Former teammate 1st Lt. Sydney Dawson, now with the 82nd Airborne Division, told Task & Purpose that Hodsden was "absolutely the best of us. She was one of the most kind and compassionate people I’ve ever met." According to the [Instagram account for the Army women's rugby team](), Hodsden won the team's Guvi Award as a senior, which Dawson said is given to "the player that has the most positive impacts on those around her." Hodsden was a platoon leader with the regiment’s 4th Squadron, the Army said in a release. “Hailey was an exceptional leader,” said Lt. Col. Joseph M. Byerly, 4th Squadron Commander. “As the Saber family mourns her loss, we are reminded of the courage and commitment that she displayed each day. She was a true example for others to emulate.” “Lt. Hodsden was well-respected by all who knew and served with her. She was a valued Dragoon and teammate,” said Col. Robert S. McChrystal, commander of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, known as the Dragoons. "We extend our sincerest condolences to her family, friends, and fellow Dragoons." The 2nd Cavalry Regiment is also known as the 2nd Dragoons. No other U.S. personnel were injured in the crash, officials said. ***The latest on Task & Purpose*** - **Air Force shows off its** [**Rapid Dragon cruise missile system**]() **on China’s doorstep** - **The Pentagon didn’t refuse to pay $60,000 to fly** [**fallen Marine Nicole Gee**]() **to Arlington \[Updated\]** - [**Bowe Bergdahl’s court-martial**]() **is overturned** - **Everything we know about the U.S. Army** [**soldier in North Korea**]() - **Parris Island drill instructor** [**found not guilty**]() **of Marine’s death during Crucible** ## Author Matt White is a senior editor at Task & Purpose*.* He writes on news, people and events that affect the lives of those in the Army, Air Force and Space Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. He also helps direct and edit coverage across Task & Purpose’s newsroom. He has written widely on military aviation and mishaps, service members with unique stories, and special operations including [combat search and rescue](). Got a story to tell? You can reach Matt at [matthew.white@taskandpurpose.com]() ### Author social links [Facebook]()