Fort Campbell soldier dies in overseas ‘training accident’

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (WKRN) — The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) announced Saturday that a soldier died as a result of a “training accident” near Camp Croft, Hungary, earlier this week.

According to the military, 24-year-old Sgt. Aaron Cox, of Mabank, Texas, was an infantryman assigned to the “Strike” 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division.

Officials said Cox died from wounds sustained in a vehicle crash on Thursday, June 5 amid preparations for the upcoming Exercise Saber Guardian 25 in Hungary.

“The loss of Sgt. Cox is a tragedy for all of us on the Strike team,” said Col. Duke Reim, commander of the 2nd Mobile 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.”

The military said Cox joined the Army in 2021 then arrived at Fort Campbell in 2022 after completing training at Fort Benning, Georgia. Hungary was his second deployment, preceded by a deployment to Poland in 2022.

Cox was a graduate of the Army Basic Leader Course and the Combat Lifesaver Course, but according to officials, he also had multiple awards and decorations, including the Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Expert Infantryman Badge, and the Air Assault Badge. 

No additional details have been released about Thursday’s fatal incident, which remains under investigation.