North Smithfield soldier killed in accident laid to rest

By: Chloe Leshner

cleshner@abc6.com

@Cleshnerabc6

Friends and family of Army Specialist Matthew Turcotte said their emotional goodbyes today. The 20 year old was accidentally shot during a training exercise in Colorado a few weeks ago.

"Matt, we will carry you in our hearts wherever life takes us. And you will be remembered always and celebrated," says his sister-in-law.

Family and friends cherishing the memories they have.

"He was strong and confident. Someone who loved whole heartedly. He had a way of leaving a lasting impression of touching the hearts of others with his bright smile and genuine nature," she adds.

Hundreds attended the funeral mass at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, including fellow soldiers, police officers and Governor Raimondo.

"We’re with the family, we stand with them, we love them, we’re grateful to them and of course grateful to Matthew for his service," says Governor Raimondo.

Turcotte joined the Army right after graduating from North Smithfield High school. His unexpected and untimely death the result of a training accident.

"Freedom is not free. But our leadership, we stand side by side together as brothers and sisters to honor Matthew, to honor his family to be their support system," says Kasim Yarn, the Director of the RI Office of Veteran Affairs.

The Reverend reminding Turcotte’s family and his widow Megan, grief is the price we pay for love.

"The only way to avoid the horrible agony that we feel today, is never to have known Matt. And wasn’t knowing him worth the pain," questions Reverend Edward Pieroni.

Turcotte was buried with military honors at a family plot in Burrillville with his grandmother.

(C) WLNE/ABC 6 2017