A West Michigan family is anxiously awaiting news about their loved one, Sgt. Troy Smith Knutson-Collins, who has been reported missing in Lithuania after a military vehicle recovery operation turned tragic. The search for Knutson-Collins continues after three other soldiers were found dead. While the Army has not publicly identified the missing soldier or those who have died, Knutson-Collins’ family has come forward to confirm his status.
According to military officials, the team was working to repair and tow a military vehicle when the incident occurred. Knutson-Collins, stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, has been serving in the U.S. Army since 2017. His father, Robert Collins, recalls his son’s early passion for mechanics, believing it was his destiny to work with machinery.
“I was thinking back when this happened the other day, and I was like, ‘Man, I got a picture of him holding the wrenches and everything,’ and he is a mechanic today,” Collins said during a press briefing.
Despite initial reservations about his son enlisting, Collins acknowledges that military service provided structure and growth, shaping Knutson-Collins into a man he deeply respects. Now a father of five, the soldier’s disappearance has left his family reeling, with emotions oscillating between hope and fear.
“I’ve already thought about all the possible, inevitable situations that it could be. ‘Hell yes,’ that we have a chance that he’s still out there. But then the other thing steps in, ‘Well, where is he now?’” Collins said.
Loved ones have gathered to support the family as they await news. Knutson-Collins’ brother, Trevor Collins, expressed his longing to reunite with him.
“I’d want to hug and I’d want to know, ‘How was it?’” he said.
Knutson-Collins has two young children with his current wife and three daughters from a previous marriage, who reside in Michigan with their mother.
A fundraiser has been set up on MealTrain.com to support the three children from his prevois marriage during this difficult time.
“Tuesday night, our family was given the tragic information that the dad of these three girls is currently missing in Lithuania,” reads the fundraiser description. “This has been difficult for them. The oldest is 9 and the youngest is 3. They see their dad on breaks and over the summers & they tremendously love him. Prayers for these children.”
The search for Knutson-Collins remains ongoing, with military personnel utilizing specialized resources, including search dogs, drone sonar, and systematic grid mapping to ensure no area is overlooked.
“If Troy is not found, the area will continue to expand until he is found,” a family member wrote on Facebook. “The military will not stop until he is home.”
As the days pass, the Collins family holds onto hope, awaiting answers and praying for Knutson-Collins’ safe return.
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