It is with profound sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Sergeant First Class Andrew Mark Frakes, a beloved son, brother, teammate and most importantly husband and father. Andrew tragically lost his life in a training accident in Nevada on September 22, 2026.

We invite you to join us in supporting his wife, Ashley, and their growing family in the days and months ahead.

The Impact of Loss

While based in Savannah, Georgia, Andrew met his better half, Ashley. They shared a love for food and exploring the newest restaurants as well as a variety of outdoor activities, pickleball, hiking, and playing with their two dogs to name a few. They relaxed by ordering takeout and watching shows like “Alone” together on the couch. Together, they planted roots in North Carolina in 2023 and began growing their family in 2025 with the birth of their daughter, Adeline. Known to family and friends as “Addie”, his daughter was his greatest blessing. He made many laps around the living room with her playing chase and playing together at the park. Ashley and Andrew recently found out that Ashley is expecting their second child, a baby boy, due in March. Andrew was overjoyed to become a boy dad. While his career brought him immense pride and joy, being a husband to Ashley and loving father to Addie was the most fulfilling and purposeful role he had during his lifetime.

His absence is deeply felt in these everyday moments and in the milestones his family expected to share together.

About Sergeant First Class Andrew Mark Frakes

Andrew was born in St. Louis, MO, on September 21, 1992, to Mark and Carolyn Frakes. He was raised in Forest City, Iowa–a small, tight-knit community. Andrew always took pride in the ways in which he blended among various friend groups in school. He was kind to others, and he loved that he was naturally athletic and "just good enough" at any sport to be accepted among his peers without effort. He also spent far too many hours with his best friend, Ryan, playing Rock Band and their favorite warfare video games outside of school.

As a child, Andrew was smart, thoughtful, funny, flighty, creative, and goofy, which culminated into someone his mom was unable and unwilling to discipline for many of his early years because he would always end up making her laugh during any attempt to be serious. He was well-rounded and naturally gifted in many ways. Though he gravitated toward athletics and activities that allowed him to be competitive, he was also gifted in the arts, drawing expressive animals from an early age and having the ability to play almost any tune on the piano after just hearing it by ear. Andrew always fondly recalled childhood trips to his family cabin in Presque Isle, WI, where he was able to snowmobile and wake up to watch deer grazing in the early morning hours right outside his window. This cultivated his love of the outdoors. When the family cabin was sold, his yearning for nature and adventure was quickly replaced by annual fishing trips to Canada with his father.

Andrew was honored to follow in his father's footsteps as a graduate of the United States Military Academy, Class of 2015. He began his Army career as an Infantry Officer with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Polk, Louisiana, before serving with 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in Savannah, Georgia. In June 2020, he resigned his commission and enlisted as an Infantryman, continuing to serve with the Ranger Regiment as a Team Leader and Squad Leader. In October 2023, he was assigned to the United States Army Special Operations Command in North Carolina. His service took him on multiple combat deployments across the Middle East and Africa.

Andrew was a quiet, righteous leader; someone who would always do the right thing and elevate others without wanting attention or credit for it. Yet his leadership was recognized in many ways, including earning the Rank of Eagle Scout through the Boy Scouts of America in 2009, receiving the West Point Superintendent's Award for Excellence in 2015, and receiving many awards and recognitions, including two Joint Service Commendation Medals with “C” Device, the Army Commendation Medal with “C” Device, and the Joint Service Achievement Medal with “C” Device, throughout his illustrious military career. He was especially proud to earn his Ranger tab in 2016.

How Your Contributions Will Help

Your contributions will help ease financial pressures and support Ashley and the children’s needs in the months and years ahead, giving her space to care for herself, support Addie, and prepare for their baby boy’s arrival.

Thank you for surrounding the Frakes family with care and support.

Support the Family of Sergeant First Class Andrew Mark Frakes

Please join us in supporting the Frakes Family following the unexpected and tragic passing of Sergeant First Class Andrew Mark Frakes, who lost his life in a training accident in Nevada on September 22, 2026.