Gov. Josh Shapiro on Saturday ordered Commonwealth flags on all state facilities, public buildings and grounds across Pennsylvania to remain at half-staff in honor of Pfc. Krystofer Lee Lopez, who died during a training incident earlier this week.
Shapiro said the order recognizes Lopez’s service and sacrifice after the 18-year-old soldier died March 12 during a training exercise at Letterkenny Army Depot in Franklin County.
“Pfc. Lopez made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” Shapiro said in a statement on Facebook. He added that he and first lady Lori Shapiro are praying for Lopez’s loved ones and the U.S. Army Reserve community.
Lopez, of Biglerville in Adams County, served as a military police officer with the LEAD Directorate of Emergency Services Law Enforcement Division. He was a member of the U.S. Army Reserves and assigned to the 947th Quartermaster Company at Letterkenny Army Depot.
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According to depot officials, Lopez was injured during a training exercise Thursday morning and was taken to WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital, where he later died. The incident remains under investigation by the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division.
In recognition of his service, Lopez was posthumously promoted to the rank of specialist.