Lost phone returned to family reveals fallen soldier's cherished memories
- Sgt. Kennedy Sanders was killed in a drone attack in January 2024.
- Zachary Winthers found her lost phone months later at the military base.
- The Sanders family feels a sense of connection and healing after receiving the phone.
In January 2024, three U.S. soldiers, including Army Reservist Sgt. Kennedy Sanders, were killed in a drone attack while stationed at a military base in Jordan. The attack was perpetrated by an Iranian-backed militia, which raised concerns about security in the region. The incident left families and fellow service members in mourning for their loved ones. More than a year after the tragedy, in an unexpected turn of events, Zachary Winthers found Kennedy's phone in a lost and found at the base. He charged the phone and noticed the emergency contact labeled as "Mama Bear," which led him to reach out to her battle buddies to inform them of the recovery. Winthers was able to connect with one of Kennedy's friends who provided him with the phone's password, revealing precious memories tucked away within the device. Oneida, a family member, expressed deep emotions upon receiving the phone just before Mother's Day 2025. Shawn Sanders, Kennedy's father, shared his overwhelming reaction upon opening the phone and recalling the memories captured, including moments spent with her close friend, Sgt. Breonna Moffet, created just days before their deaths. The Sanders family started watching the videos, piecing together memories that they had missed out on, ultimately feeling as if Kennedy had given them a gift by returning in this way. As they sift through the footage, the connection to their daughter remains vibrant and allows them to process their grief in a unique and intimate manner. The discovery of her phone has thrilled family members and offered a bittersweet opportunity to relive moments of joy with Kennedy. In this situation, the importance of technology in connecting families to their lost loved ones has emerged prominently. The heartbreaking circumstances have highlighted the sacrifices made by service members and the lingering impact on their families. As the community in Waycross, Georgia, honors the life of Sgt. Kennedy Sanders, the emotional journey of the Sanders family continues, with her phone bridging the gap between memory and loss, reminding them of her enduring spirit.