A soldier from Minnesota was killed this past December in a flight-related accident while stationed in South Korea.

According to a statement from the Public Affairs Office at Camp Humphreys, 20-year-old Private First Class Edwin Thomas was killed in a flight-related accident on Dec. 19. Camp Humphreys did not reveal any additional information on the accident.

Thomas was given medical treatment before being transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Thomas was originally from Eagan, joining the U.S. Army in 2023, where he was awarded the Army Aviation Badge, Korea Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon.

Most recently, Thomas had been assigned to Bravo Company, 3-2 General Support Aviation Battalion, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry ROK/US Combined Division as a helicopter repairer.

“I spoke to him the day before he died. He was very happy,” Thomas’ father, Thomas Mathew, told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS. 

“It is literally unimaginable. I never expected that such a trajectory would take place,” Mathew said.  

He said his son had one goal, and that was to become a pilot — which Mathew and his wife, Thomas’ stepmother, Daisey Thomas, said he was working very hard to achieve. 

“He was so determined and passionate about it,” Daisey said. 

Intelligent, talented, and brave are a few other ways the family will remember the solider with an infectious smile. 

“It is more than a smile because the people around him will always look at him when he smiles, it attracts everybody,” Mathew said of his late son. 

While the investigation remains active, Mathew said they were told Thomas was killed after getting struck by the rotor blades of a helicopter. 

“I become speechless,” Mathew said about learning the news. 

“Edwin was a valued member of the Nightmare Battalion family. His smile was infectious, work ethic unparalleled, and dedication to our mission unrivaled. We will honor our time with him as he left an indelible mark on our battalion and his company,” said Lt. Col. Anthony Snipes, 3-2 GSAB battalion commander. “His legacy will continue through our professional dedication to our mission and the Army. The pain we feel is a testament to the impact he left on those around him. We offer our heartfelt condolences to all those who were fortunate to know Edwin Thomas.”

Funeral services for Thomas will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, Jan. 17, at Klecatsky & Sons Eagan Chapel in Eagan. A visitation will take place from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday and at 10 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Thomas will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetary.