Sgt. Aaron Blate Cox, a 24-year-old Infantryman from Mabank, Texas, was killed in a vehicle rollover accident on June 5, 2025, during a training operation near Camp Croft, Hungary. The accident occurred as his unit was preparing for Exercise Saber Guardian 25, a large-scale multinational exercise involving NATO allies. Cox was assigned to the “Strike” 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
According to U.S. Army Europe and Africa, the crash happened during regularly scheduled training. Cox was airlifted to a nearby hospital in critical condition but did not survive. Another soldier was hospitalized overnight with potentially serious injuries and is now stable. Several others were evaluated and returned to duty.
Col. Duke Reim, commander of the 2nd Brigade, described the loss as a tragedy for the entire Strike team. “He was a strong Soldier and leader, who quickly rose through the ranks while serving,” Reim said. “We are in direct contact with his family for care and support during this difficult time. We would like to thank our Hungarian allies for their prompt response and support to our Soldiers.”
Sgt. Cox enlisted in the Army in 2021 and arrived at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, in 2022 after completing Infantry training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He had previously deployed to Poland in 2022. He was a graduate of the Army Basic Leader Course and Combat Lifesaver Course, and had earned multiple awards, including 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. The circumstances surrounding the accident are under investigation by Hungarian authorities and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division.
The young soldier leaves behind a wife and infant son. Emma Sailors, Cox’s wife, shared a devastating tribute to her husband through a GoFundMe campaign organized by family friend Carter Tinsley. “I am in shock. I feel hollow. My heart has been ripped from my chest. I will never be the same,” she wrote. Emma and Aaron had been married for just over a year. Their son, Boston, is only four months old. “To know him was to know God’s goodness,” Emma said. “We shared a love that surpasses human understanding.” She described their time together as filled with laughter, faith, and the kind of love that leaves a permanent mark.
Sgt. Cox’s death comes only a few months after another fatal overseas training incident. In March, four U.S. soldiers died in Lithuania after their armored recovery vehicle became submerged in a peat bog during a mission to tow a disabled vehicle. Their M88A2 Hercules was eventually recovered after a week-long operation involving U.S., Lithuanian, and Polish forces. The treacherous terrain and deep mud complicated the effort, requiring specialized equipment to stabilize and drain the area before the 63-ton vehicle could be pulled free.
These back-to-back tragedies highlight the risks soldiers face, even in non-combat training environments. Whether preparing for war or supporting allied nations, the dangers are real and ever-present.
Sgt. Aaron Cox was more than a soldier. He was a husband, father, man of faith, and leader to those who served beside him. His sacrifice is a sobering reminder of the burden carried by military families and the cost of service—often paid long before any battlefield engagement.
Those wishing to support Emma and baby Boston can donate through their GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/emma-sailors-aaron-cox.
Rest easy, Sergeant. Your mission is complete, and your legacy will live on.
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