A tragic incident unfolded in Kuwait on Sunday when an Iranian drone strike claimed the lives of six US soldiers, including Declan Coady, the youngest among them at just 20 years old. In a heartbreaking twist, Coady reached out to his brother stationed in Italy just hours before the attack, attempting to reassure his family. According to his father, Andrew Coady, the timing of the phone call coincided closely with the drone strike on their command center.
Andrew Coady shared details about the conversation with CBS News, explaining, “Based off timing, and what we know so far… it was shortly after that phone call that this happened.” Declan had been in frequent contact with his family, sending updates every couple of hours to let them know he was safe. “He was still thinking about us,” his father remarked.
The family began to feel concern when communication suddenly stopped. Declan’s sister, Keira Coady, recalled the anxiety of not hearing from him, particularly during a period of heightened tensions following Iran’s retaliatory attacks related to “Operation Epic Fury.” “Trying to be positive, we all assumed he was just in a situation where he couldn’t message back, but we all knew something was wrong,” she told ABC News.
As the evening progressed, the family faced a devastating moment when the doorbell rang unexpectedly. Keira described that night as one of the worst in their lives. “While it’s all blurry, we all knew what the doorbell meant,” she said, reflecting on the heart-wrenching news they received.
Declan Coady had trained as an information technology specialist with the Army Reserves and was slated for a promotion to sergeant shortly before his death. His father praised him, stating, “He was very good at what he did.” In a posthumous tribute, Declan received the title of sergeant following his passing.
The Pentagon confirmed the identities of five other soldiers who died alongside Coady in the attack: Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, Capt. Cody Khork, and Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens. Additionally, Chief Warrant Officer Three Robert M. Marzan from Sacramento, California, is also believed to be deceased. All six soldiers were part of the 103rd Sustainment Command, which is responsible for providing essential supplies to troops, including food, fuel, and ammunition.
In a statement regarding the situation, President Donald Trump acknowledged the potential for casualties during military operations, stating, “We expect casualties.” He emphasized the broader implications of their mission, noting, “But in the end, it’s going to be a great deal for the world.”
Trump is scheduled to visit Dover Air Force Base for the dignified transfer of the fallen servicemembers, marking a somber moment as families across the nation mourn their losses. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing risks faced by military personnel in conflict zones.
