SOUTH CAROLINA (WJBF) – The life of a South Carolina National Guard Solider is being honored and remembered.

According to Task Force Rattler, Specialist Jayson Reed Haven died as a result of a non-combat vehicle accident in Kuwait on Thursday, May 25th.

Specialist Haven was a 2020 graduate of South Aiken High School.

“The Rattler Family is heartbroken over the loss of Specialist Jayson Haven,” says Lt. Col. Samuel McDowell, Task Force Rattler Commander, in a statement. “Specialist Haven’s love of service to his nation and his fellow Soldiers was infectious. The consummate Infantryman, he had the unique ability to bring humor to difficult situations while executing every task with technical and tactical competence. Specialist Haven’s influence will have lasting impacts throughout the Rattler formation. We mourn the immense loss of Specialist Haven and send our thoughts and prayers to his family.”

South Aiken High School’s Principal Mr. Sam Fuller released the following statement:

Together with all who knew him, South Aiken High School is mourning the loss of Jayson Haven, an exceptional former student who lost his life last week in Kuwait during his honorable service as a soldier in the South Carolina National Guard.

The Class of 2020 graduate was kind, personable and incredibly intelligent. He had an intrinsic desire to deeply understand the history of our country and the world, and was committed to a calling of service to others. He was not only likeable, but also a natural leader who helped resolve conflicts among students as a peer mediator and also as a cadet with South Aiken’s NJROTC.

We wish to express our deepest condolences to his family and will continue to make support services available to South Aiken’s faculty, staff and any students who are grieving his passing.

Principal Sam Fuller, South Aiken High School

A service will beheld at Powers Funeral Home in Lugoff, S.C., Thursday June 15, 2023. the viewing will be at 10 a.m. and the service will begin at 11 a.m.

The burial will at Fort Jackson National Cemetery at 12 p.m.

Authorities say this incident is still under investigation.