Air Force agent dies in motorcycle accident

Published June 11, 2007

ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, MD -- Special Agent Michael Thyssen of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations was killed in a motorcycle accident in Viterbo, Italy, Saturday.

Thyssen, 46, a civilian agent stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Rome, was traveling in Viterbo, North of Rome, at the time of the accident.

Thyssen, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, is originally from O'Fallon, Ill., and had been working with OSI since June 1987.

"Mike was a great American, a great Airman and a great agent," said Brig. Gen. Dana Simmons, OSI commander. "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."

All media queries regarding this matter should be directed to OSI public affairs at (240) 857-0989.