A 24-year-old soldier from Mabank, Texas, has died following a training accident near Camp Croft, Hungary, the U.S. Army confirmed Thursday.
Sgt. Aaron Cox, a member of the 101st Airborne Division's "Strike" 2nd Brigade Combat Team, sustained critical injuries during a vehicle rollover crash while preparing for Exercise Saber Guardian 25. He was airlifted to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
According to U.S. Army Europe and Africa, the crash occurred during regularly scheduled training. A second soldier involved in the incident was hospitalized overnight with potentially serious injuries but was later determined to be in stable condition. Other soldiers involved were evaluated and returned to duty.
“The loss of Sgt. Cox is a tragedy for all of us on the Strike team,” said Col. Duke Reim, commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team. “He was a strong Soldier and leader, who quickly rose through the ranks while serving. 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.”
Cox joined the Army in 2021 and was assigned to Fort Campbell in 2022 after completing training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He previously deployed to Poland in 2022. He had completed the Army Basic Leader Course and Combat Lifesaver Course.
His military decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Expert Infantryman Badge, and Air Assault Badge.
Hungarian authorities and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division are investigating the incident.
