A memorial service is pending in Rome for a special agent with the Air Force’s Office of Special Investigations, who died Saturday in a motorcycle accident in Viterbo, Italy.

Michael Thyssen, 46, retired in 2003 as a lieutenant colonel. He was stationed as a civilian at the U.S. Embassy in Rome at the time of the accident, which is under investigation by the OSI and Italian authorities.

“Mike was a great American and a great agent,” said Brig. Gen. Dana Simmons, the OSI commander in a news release issued by the command.

“He had worked for this command for 20 years, both on active duty and as a civilian agent. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will be missed, but not forgotten.”

Originally from O’Fallon, Ill., Thyssen is survived by his wife, Nan; 14-year-old son, Matteo; and 8-year-old daughter, Sonia. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

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