Army investigates accidental death of 20-year-old Aiken soldier

AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Department of Defense is investigating a non-combat vehicle rollover accident that killed a South Carolina National Guard Soldier from Aiken.

The Department of Defense announced that 20-year-old Spc. Jayson R. Haven died on Thursday after an accident while supporting Operation Spartan Shield on Udairi Range, Kuwait.

In a news release provided by Maj. Karla Evans with the South Carolina National Guard, Maj. Gen. Van McCarty said, “There are no words that can adequately express how deeply saddened I am at the loss of one of our own. SPC Jayson R. Haven was more than just a member of the South Carolina National Guard, he was family.”

He said: “As the Adjutant General, it is impossible for me not to feel this loss on a personal level. Soldiers and their families are the fabric that holds our South Carolina Military Department together. There is nothing that I can say or offer to the family of SPC Haven but know my thoughts and prayers and that of a great many South Carolinians are with you. You are not alone in grieving; we are with you.”

Haven was a machine gunner assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment, 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard.

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon.