‘One of a kind’: Central Texas community mourns tragic loss of U.S. soldier Cutter Baird

GOLDTHWAITE, Texas (KWTX) - A Central Texas community is mourning the tragic death of 19-year-old Goldthwaite native Cutter Baird, who died in a tragic accident on Labor Day.

Officials say Cutter suffered fatal injuries after jumping off a 100-foot-high bridge in Georgia. He hit the water chest first, which the coroner says is equivalent to hitting concrete.

After news of Cutter’s passing, those who knew him best took to Facebook to bid him farewell, including one of his former teachers, Vince Gilbert.

Gilbert shared just how special Cutter was, describing him as smart, opinionated and strong.

“Cutter Baird was one of a kind… he had some personal obstacles in his life, but he worked everyday to overcome them and everyday he tried to become a better person,” he said.

Gilbert says that in high school Cutter always stuck up for the kids that were being picked on, never being afraid to stand up to a bully.

From the time he met Cutter his dream was to join the army, and he was determined to do so.

“I think that may be what led him to join the army, so he could help take care of bullies around the world,” Gilbert shared.

According to WTVM news, Cutter was stationed at Fort Moore, an army post near Columbus, Georgia.

And while Gilbert only knew Cutter for a few years, he says he will be deeply missed by everyone.

“The thing about Cutter is that the world was a better place with him in it… and his passing is a tragic loss for all of us who knew him and those that would’ve known him,” he said.

The memorial service for Cutter will be held Saturday morning at the Stacey Wilkens Chapel in Goldthwaite.

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