IL National Guard Soldier, 21, Killed In Crash

KEWANEE, IL — An Illinois Army National Guard soldier was killed in a single-vehicle crash Sunday night after supporting a community relations event, officials said.

Spc. Aiden Mrotek, 21, of Carpentersville, was returning home after assisting with the Illinois Army National Guard’s community outreach efforts in Kewanee — which is located northwest of Peoria — when the crash occurred, according to a news release.

Mrotek was driving on 2000 North Avenue near Manlius at about 8:50 p.m. Sunday when his vehicle struck a bridge guardrail west of Route 40, police said. He was fatally injured in the crash.

Mrotek was a member of the Illinois Army National Guard’s 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment, based in Kewanee. He joined the unit in May 2023 and was deployed to Djibouti, Africa, from September 2024 to September 2025, where he supported U.S. military counter-terrorism operations.

“He was a dedicated and patriotic man who, at the tender age of 21, had already deployed overseas in support of U.S. military counter-terrorism operations,” said Brig. Gen. Lenny Williams, assistant adjutant general-Army of the Illinois National Guard and commander of the Illinois Army National Guard.

“He epitomized what it means to be a National Guard Soldier, answering the call in our nation’s defense while also being part of the community in which he served,” Williams said.

Mrotek’s awards and decorations included the Army Achievement Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon.

Although Mrotek had completed his duties in Kewanee, he remained on orders at the time of the crash, according to the Illinois Army National Guard.

The National Guard regularly participates in community events to educate the public about its missions and capabilities and support recruiting efforts.