Tristan Gabriel Smith

US Army First Lieutenant Tristan Gabriel Smith of Montgomery, Alabama died in a tragic motorcycle accident at the far too young age of 25 years old on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Fayetteville, North Carolina where he was stationed at Fort Bragg. Tristan leaves behind his loving wife, also named Tristyn, and their precious 2-month-old son Casper along with a multitude of grieving parents, siblings, grandparents, extended family, friends, and other loved ones.

Tristan was born on April 29, 2000, in Montgomery, Alabama to parents Michael “Jared” Smith and Allison Regan Hatchett (Cawley). As a child, Tristan was passionate about his family (especially his little brother Mariner who he begged his momma to have for 2 solid years), his friends, God, and his country. At only 4 years old, Tristan decided that he was going to be in the Army when he grew up and he continued with this plan through his teenage and young adult years, bringing it to fruition after graduating college. Tristan attended Alabama Christian Academy from first grade through high school graduation where he excelled in track and cross country, attending several State Championships. Tristan obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management from Auburn University Montgomery on an Army ROTC scholarship before Commissioning to the US Army after graduation.

Although academics did not come easily to Tristan and he struggled with dyslexia, Tristan persevered and earned his college degree while working full time as a bicycle mechanic at Montgomery Multisport (MMS) and successfully balancing the demands of additional ROTC courses and activities. As an avid runner and bike enthusiast, Tristan frequently led group runs and mountain bike rides for MMS in his “spare” time during the weekends. Tristan also met his wife Tristyn while in college and the two quickly developed a very special love that not all people are blessed to experience in life. Family lovingly referred to the couple as T-squared, Double Trouble, TNT Dynamite, and most recently as parents, Momma T and Pappa T. Outside of his many commitments, Tristan prioritized family and friends and always made time to be at special activities that were important to others.

Family was extremely important to Tristan. Even though his time with Casper was far too short, Tristan was a very hands-on daddy during the 2 months he was blessed with being a father. Tristan happily handled baby baths, helped with diaper changes, cooked meals, cleaned the house, and made sure Momma T got rest when she needed it. Tristan also made sure his little man hung out in the shop with him while Pappa T worked on bikes. In fact, Casper already had his own mini toolbox to “work” alongside daddy when he got big enough. After finishing his contract with the US Army, Tristan planned to return to Alabama to be close to family and work alongside his dad at JSC Docks (Jared Smith Construction), a marine construction business on Lake Martin. Tristan’s long-term goal was to work with both his father and his brother, with Mariner joining the family business after completing his Engineering degree at Auburn University. As an added bonus, Tristan looked forward to working with his best friend Sam from kindergarten who already works at JSC Docks. Family and friends were Tristan’s focus.

If you knew Tristan, you knew he had a one-of-a-kind personality with a hard as iron exterior that covered a heart of gold. Tristan loved fiercely, maintained his own standard of integrity, consistently looked for ways to lead and help others, was strong and independent, and was the type of man you could depend on…while at the same time being a man who could care less about opinions that did not align with his priorities and was never shy in saying so! Again, if you knew Tristan, you knew this to be true. Despite the rough edges, Tristan was someone who made an impact on others. Tristan was a beloved husband, father, brother, son, and friend who deeply loved those honored to be in his circle. From the very beginning until the very end, Tristan loved his family, had a service-oriented heart, and consistently demonstrated a willingness to help others. Tristan lived every day to the fullest and will be forever missed.

Tristan leaves behind his wife Tristyn Michelle Skye Berry (Smith) and son Casper Kalvin Smith, his parents Michael ”Jared” Smith (Shellee Smith) and Allison Regan Hatchett (Michael Hatchett), his brother Michael “Mariner” Smith, and his sisters Ireland McKenna Boyer and Emberly Eden Hatchett. He also leaves behind 5 step siblings Garrett and Gracelyn “Belle” Hatchett (Michael Hatchett) and Kilee, Aiden, and McCarthy “Mac” Robbins (Shellee Smith); his maternal grandfather Ron “Pappo” Cawley; his paternal grandmother Bonnie Bodine; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and other extended family. Tristan was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother Kathlyn “Kathy” Cawley (Ron Cawley), who sadly passed away before he was born, and his paternal grandfathers Bradford “Brad” Smith (Jared’s father) and Dennis “PaPaw” Bodine (Bonnie Bodine). May those who have gone before him surround him now in Heaven.

Tristan Smith’s celebration of life will be held on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home, 10505 Atlanta Hwy, Montgomery, AL 36117. Family will receive guests for a public viewing beginning at 1:00pm with a funeral following at 2:00pm. Immediately after the service, friends and family are welcomed to visit Tristan’s mom’s house for food, fellowship, and to share any special Tristan stories with family and others. This will be a drop in, come and go event, with no formal schedule.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to an account that will be set up for Tristan’s son Casper. Until details of the account are finalized, contributions can be given to Tristan’s mother: Allison Hatchett, 320 Monette Street, Montgomery, AL 36109 or Venmo (@Allison-Hatchett-1) notating Baby Casper in the subject line. Tristan’s family also requests continued prayers during this unspeakably devastating time, with a special focus on Momma Tristyn and Baby Casper.