Sgt. Aaron Cox died on Thursday as a result of a vehicle accident during training near Camp Croft, Hungary during preparations for the upcoming Exercise Saber Guardian 25 in Hungary, according to Army officials.
Cox, 24, was identified on Saturday.
“We are in direct contact with his family, for care and support that they need during this difficult time. We would like to thank our Hungarian Allies for their prompt response and support to our Soldiers,” Col. Duke Reim, said in a statement sent to The Hill.
The Exercise Saber Guardian 25 is set to enhance NATO’s land component mission command through long tactical marches, river crossings, live fire events and a rocket live-fire over the Black Sea to improve service members’ abilities to help the United States defend Allies.
Cox joined the Army in 2021 and was enlisted in the 101st Airborne Division, which specializes in air assault, during the time of his passing.
He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Expert Infantryman Badge and the Air Assault Badge for his service.
“The loss of Sgt. Cox is a tragedy for all of us on the Strike team. He was a strong Soldier and leader, who quickly rose through the ranks while serving,” Reim said.
The accident remains under investigation after response teams worked together for a week to recover the vehicle from a peat bog, CBS reported.
They used specialized equipment to drain water from the side and “stabilize the ground,” to pull the 70-ton vehicle ashore, the outlet said.
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