A Fort Benning soldier lost his life on a Georgia roadway late last month. On Monday morning June27, 2011, 39-year-old Sergeant Jerome C. Owens, of Valdosta, was killed at the intersection of Elm Drive or University Drive and Macon Road in Columbus, Georgia.

The accident occurred around 5 a.m. when Sergeant Owens was trying to make a left turn on to Macon Road. Officials report that 17-year-old Jack Hughes ran a red light and collided with Sergeant Owens' car. Sergeant Owens was taken to The Medical Center where he was declared dead shortly before 6:30 a.m.

Mr. Hughes faces numerous charges including first degree homicide by vehicle, driving under the influence drug related, and running a red light.

Sergeant Owens was a combat medic assigned to the 3rd brigade. He had been on active duty since February 2002 and stationed at Fort Benning since 2009. Sergeant Owens received numerous awards and commendations during his career, and served three tours abroad including two to Bosnia and one to Iraq.

We extend our most sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sergeant Jerome Owens, especially to his wife, children and parents, following this tragic Georgia car accident.