The details surrounding the death of a Pine Bluff native, U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Strachota, in Afghanistan over the weekend have not yet been released by the government.
Dustin Smith, communications director for U.S. Rep. Mike Ross (D-Prescott), said Tuesday that his office was waiting for official word and was in contact with military personnel but could not say when more information would be available.
Strachota’s mother Linda Baxter said Tuesday that the family had been informed Sunday that he died in a motor vehicle accident that is still under investigation.
Strachota had planned to return home in time for his son William’s third birthday July 5.
Strachota’s wife Lauren said that her husband was devoted to his family and thorougly enjoyed his job.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Strachota was based in Fort Hood, Texas, and assigned to the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), where he drove heavy equipment transports.
Afghanistan was Strachota’s second overseas tour, according to his family, having previously served a one year tour in Iraq.
Strachota attended Trinity Episcopal Day School in Pine Bluff and then Pine Bluff High School.
Strachota was said to be an avid outdoorsman by his family, enjoying fishing and motorcycle riding.
He is survived by his wife, Lauren Strachota and son, William Strachota of Fort Hood, Texas; his mother, Linda Baxter of Star City; his father, Patrick Strachota of Pine Bluff; and his grandmother, Betty Bradshaw of Pine Bluff.