Fallen Airman Laid to Rest in Waterford

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. James Tyler Grotjan was laid to rest in Waterford on Saturday.

Grotjan died on July 12 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. He was taken off life support four days after he was injured in a non-combat related incident at Al-Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.

He was serving with the Air Force's 4th Civil Engineers Squadron supporting Operation Inherent Resolve at the time of the incident.

The Department of Defense has not released details about the incident, but Grotjan's mother told NBC Connecticut that her son was exposed to methane gas, suffered cardiac arrest and fell while doing work in a manhole.

Family and friends said goodbye to Grotjan at a graveside service at the Jordan Cemetery in Waterford.

Contact Us