North Smithfield High School retires fallen soldier’s football jersey

November 24, 2018 6:07 pm

By: Amanda Pitts

alpitts@abc6.com

@APittsABC6

NORTH SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WLNE) — North Smithfield High School honored one of their own Saturday, retiring the football jersey and number of Army Spc. Matthew Turcotte.

Turcotte, who graduated high school in 2015 and led the football team as Captain his senior year, was accidentally killed during a live-fire training exercise at Fort Carson, Colorado, in August of 2017. He was just 20 years old.

He left behind a wife, his parents, and two sisters.

Saturday’s touching ceremony took place during halftime of the rescheduled Thanksgiving football game between North Smithfield and Scituate High School. His family was brought out onto the field along with the current football team and fellow service men and women.

“Worst possible news you’re ever gonna get, but we’re doing well. We’re a close family, very close family, and we’re always here for each other,” said Ron Turcotte, Matthew’s uncle.

Turcotte’s family was gifted his away jersey. His green home jersey will be hung in the hallway of the high school.

“He was one of those positive up-lifters that you would see in the classroom and on the field as well,” said Athletic Director Matthew Tek.

In addition to the jersey retirement, the flag that waved above North Smithfield’s football field was taken down and given to Turcotte’s family. A brand new flag is now in its place.

Hundreds filled the stands and took to the field for the ceremony, a perfect honor for the student and player who lifted up his community.

“This is what he was when he was here. A football player that brought everyone together for football on Friday nights. So to see it kind of bring it all back here… is a fitting tribute to him and he’d be proud,” said Tek.