CAMP CROFT, Hungary—U.S. Military officials are investigating a fatal training accident
On Thursday, 24-year-old Sergeant Aaron Cox from Mabank, Texas, who was serving in the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division died after a training exercise near Camp Croft, Hungary, according to a media release from the U.S. Army.
Cox was assigned to the “Strike” 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team and was injured during a vehicle crash while preparing for the upcoming Exercise Saber Guardian 25.
The “U.S. Army Europe and Africa” said it was a rollover crash that took place during regularly scheduled training. Cox was airlifted to a nearby hospital in critical condition, but he succumbed to his injuries.
A second soldier with potentially serious injuries was also taken to a hospital, where he was kept overnight and determined to be stable. The remaining 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, a commander, 2MBCT for the 101st Airborne Division. “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 arrived at Fort Campbell in 2022, after completing training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was a graduate of the Army Basic Leader Course and the Combat Lifesaver Course. This was his second deployment; he previously deployed to Poland in 2022.
Cox had earned 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, according to the release.
The incident is under investigation by Hungarian authorities and the Army Criminal Investigation Division.