Former football teammate remembers fallen soldier from North Smithfield

August 25, 2017 11:27 pm

By John Krinjak

Email: jkrinjak@abc6.com

Twitter: @johnkrinjakABC6

NORTH SMITHFIELD, RI (WLNE) – A soldier from North Smithfield killed during an army exercise is being remembered by those who grew up with him.

20-year-old Army Specialist Matthew Turcotte died early Wednesday morning, accidentally shot and killed during a gunfire exercise at the Fort Carson Army base in Colorado. We’re told he had just gotten married a few months ago.

Turcotte graduated from North Smithfield High School just two years ago.

He played football throughout his time there, and he’s being remembered as a true team player with a knack for making just about anyone laugh.

The mood on the North Smithfield High School football field was somber as practice got underway. On the minds of players and coaches was former team member Matthew Turcotte.

"When the news came out, when everyone found out, we said a little prayer, those who wanted to, and it was a really touching moment," said Kevin Keenan, now an assistant coach for the team.

Keenan, who played alongside Turcotte, remembers him as a selfless team player with an infectious sense of humor.

"Senior year, he didn’t get captain, but he didn’t care. He was really hoping to be one, but he was always looking out for the team, always telling jokes, everyone liked him, he was just. For me he was a really good person to have around. I really enjoyed playing football with him," said Keenan.

The passionate football player was also passionate about his future in the Army.

"He was excited about that. He did what he wanted to do, and he was happy with it," said Keenan. "If you look at some of the pictures that he’s in in the military, he’s got the same expression, same attitude, still the same kid. It made him more mature but it didn’t really change him."

The legacy Turcotte left on the field is one Coach Keenan continues to keep alive, using him as an example for new players to this day.

"He was like a role model player. Someone that you would want to tell people about. Hard working, fun to be around, take people under his wing," said Turcotte.

And next month when this team takes the field for the first time under those Friday night lights, they’ll do so with a mix of pain and pride–as Matt Turcotte’s memory lives on.

"It’s hard. He’s just a really good kid, you know. Just a really great person overall," said Keenan.

And it’s only fitting that the North Smithfield football field will be the site of a vigil to remember Turcotte Sunday night. It gets underway at 6:30 PM.