Portrait of a man and woman.
Share this @internewscast.com

AN Army veteran has been killed in a freak accident – just weeks after moving more than 3,000 miles to pursue a new lifestyle off-grid. 

Brian Neudecker was riding an ATV when he was struck by a train in rural Alaska on June 23.

Portrait of a man and woman.
Brian Neudecker was killed in a collision involving an ATV and freight trainCredit: Facebook
Photo of a family with a mountain range in the background.
Neudecker, his wife, and their daughter were beginning a new life in Alaska when tragedy struckCredit: Facebook
Army veteran in uniform holding a rifle.
Neudecker formerly served in the US ArmyCredit: Facebook

The dad-of-five and wife Rachael had decided to up sticks from their Minnesota home in favor of a more rural setting.

The family’s relocation to their Talkeetna home, situated approximately two hours from Anchorage, was only weeks old when tragedy struck, according to reports from NBC‘s affiliate KTUU-TV.

Neudecker, Rachael, and their four-year-old daughter departed from Minnesota on May 23 and reached Alaska eight days later, according to details shared on a GoFundMe campaign set up afterward.

“They set out to build a simpler, more intentional life, one rooted in nature, freedom and family,” devastated friends said. 

Pals described the accident as a “life-altering loss.”

Locals in the area thought an 18-wheeler truck had been involved in a collision when they heard the impact of the smash.

“It sounded as if an 18-wheeler had flipped or possibly something had broken apart,” David Straub recounted to KTUU-TV, sharing his neighbor’s account of the incident. 

Neudecker, 45, was identified as the victim and tragic details have now emerged.

He is a former combat engineer and information technology specialist in the US Army.

He also worked as a Recruiting and Retention Non-Commissioned Officer in the Army National Guard.

Neudecker was a former recruiter for The Minnesota Army National Guard.

In a Facebook post from March 12, he revealed that his and Rachael’s home in Minnesota had been put up for sale.

“Let the adventure begin,” he wrote.

Taylor, Neudecker’s adult daughter, replied: “I don’t want you guys to leave.”

The pair exchanged jokes, with Neudecker quipping: “You left first.”

Neudecker’s Facebook bio also spoke about his move to Alaska.

“It all started with a dream many years ago,” his biography started.

“Alaska! Live free, dream big, and slow down and enjoy.”

Taylor has since shared a throwback snap from when she was a child. 

Neudecker was wearing his army uniform, with Taylor also sporting camouflaged gear.

In the picture, the pair are seen giving each other a kiss.

“I’ll miss you forever and always,” Taylor wrote on social media.

“Volim Te dad.”

Volim Te is a Croatian and Serbian phrase that translates as “I love you.”

Rachael, who also served in the military, has not yet commented on social media about her husband’s death.

A soldier kisses his young daughter.
Neudecker’s daughter shared a throwback snap as she paid tribute to her late fatherCredit: Facebook
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Bryan Kohberger to plead guilty to killing University of Idaho students

Bryan Kohberger Plans to Admit to Murdering University of Idaho Students

A change of plea hearing was set for Wednesday, but the families…
'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' stars Jen Affleck, Whitney Leavitt join 'Dancing With the Stars' Season 34

‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 34 Welcomes Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt from ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’

From “MomTok” to the ballroom! “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” stars Jen…
Man in a light gray shirt giving a thumbs up.

Who is Bryan Kohberger? Suspect in Idaho College Murders Explained

BRYAN Kohberger was charged with committing the brutal murders of four students…
Illinois lead exposure testing : More Cook County ZIP codes added to list, Illinois Department of Public Health says

Illinois Expands Lead Exposure Testing: Additional Cook County ZIP Codes Identified by State Health Department

CHICAGO (WLS) — The list of areas where lead exposure testing is…
Disney-Pixar's 'Elio' Was Originally Going to Be a 'Queer-Coded' Character Before Leadership Stepped In

Disney-Pixar’s ‘Elio’ Almost Featured as a ‘Queer-Coded’ Character Until Leadership Changed Direction

Recent information reveals that Disney/Pixar’s new movie “Elio” initially intended for its…
Invasive swarm of Killer bees put millions on alert after officials take precautionary action

Massive Killer Bee Invasion Alerts Millions as Authorities Take Preventive Steps

Authorities in Alabama have reported that they have eliminated a group of…
Outdoor pool with swimmers and a building in the background.

Alarming Rise in Pool Assaults Hits German Region: 74 Cases Reported, Syrian Nationals Arrested for Alleged Child Groping

A DISTURBING epidemic is sweeping through Germany with hundreds of people reporting…
Trump will visit a remote immigration detention site in the Florida Everglades, informally known as Alligator Alcatraz

Trump Plans Visit to Florida’s Remote Immigration Center, Nicknamed ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ in the Everglades

President Donald Trump is set to visit Florida’s Everglades on Tuesday for…
DHS slams 'bizarre tale' about activist allegedly kidnapped by bounty hunters

DHS Criticizes ‘Unbelievable Story’ of Activist’s Alleged Bounty Hunter Kidnapping

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responding to “lazy” news reports…
Friends who discovered Idaho murder victims reveal eerie omen before the massacre

Friends Recall Uneasy Sign Before Idaho Murders Occurred

The college friends who discovered the four University of Idaho students dead…
Broken pieces of dark chocolate on a dark surface.

Chocolate from major Walmart competitor recalled in 8 U.S. states due to undeclared, potentially dangerous ingredient.

SHOPPERS have been urged to check their pantries after a box of…
How To Watch Wimbledon 2025

Your Guide to Watching Wimbledon 2025

Get ready, tennis enthusiasts: the 2025 Wimbledon Championships are now underway! With…