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
‘The Old Guard 2’ Ending Explained: Breaking Down That Major Cliffhanger

“The Old Guard 2: An In-Depth Look at the Surprising Cliffhanger Ending”

Old Guard fans hoping for closure in the sequel will be disappointed,…
14 injured after skydiving aircraft goes off runway at Cross Keys Airport in Gloucester County, New Jersey

14 Injured as Skydiving Plane Overruns Runway at Cross Keys Airport, New Jersey

WILLIAMSTOWN, N.J — Fourteen people were hospitalized after a single-engine skydiving plane…
Family initiates lawsuit against city of Homewood over death of 18-year-old Jabari Peoples

Peoples family files a lawsuit against Homewood city over the death of 18-year-old Jabari

The family of an 18-year-old who passed away after a confrontation with…
Alabama teen zapped by lightning strike through phone charger inside her home

Alabama Teen Struck by Lightning Through Phone Charger Indoors

A teenager in Alabama experienced a temporary memory loss after a lightning…
Immigration news: Judge blocks order barring asylum access at border, gives President Trump's administration 2 weeks to appeal

Judge Halts Order Restricting Asylum Access, Allows Two-Week Appeal Window for Trump Administration

WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, a federal judge ruled that President Donald Trump’s…
South Carolina deputy shot and killed in ambush, sheriff says

Sheriff reports South Carolina deputy fatally shot in surprise attack

A South Carolina deputy, who completed field training just last week, was…
MLB All-Star starters announced: Chicago Cubs outfielders Pete Crow-Armstrong, Kyle Tucker on starting lineup for National League

MLB All-Star Game Starters: Chicago Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker to Lead National League Outfield

CHICAGO — Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker, outfielders for the Chicago Cubs,…
Mugshot of Travis Caleb Decker, wanted for murder.

DNA Discovery on Handprints Intensifies Travis Decker Murder Investigation Amid Exhaustive Five-Week Search

POLICE have new evidence that links a father to the murder scene…
People who go to bed at this time get the most exercise

Individuals who sleep at this hour are more active

The early bird gets the workout. It’s bad enough that night owls…
Diddy Combs convicted under Mann Act law. Here's what that means

Understanding Diddy Combs’ Conviction Under the Mann Act Law

The law has been invoked in significant convictions, impacting individuals like R&B…
'What are the Republicans waiting for?'

‘Why Are Republicans Delaying Action?’

WASHINGTON — President Trump expressed frustration on social media as a procedural…
DeSantis administration threatens to punish island city that voted to end police agreement with ICE

DeSantis Administration Warns Island City of Consequences for Terminating Police Partnership with ICE

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said leaders in the state’s most southern…