The family of Sgt. Declan J. Coady, a 20-year-old American soldier from West Des Moines, Iowa, is mourning his loss after he became one of the first U.S. service members to die during the early stages of the escalating conflict involving Iran in the Middle East.
Military officials confirmed that Sgt. Declan J. Coady, an Army Reserve information technology specialist, died after sustaining injuries during an Iranian drone strike targeting a command center at Port Shuaiba, Kuwait.
The attack occurred during the opening phase of the conflict connected to Operation Epic Fury, which has already claimed the lives of multiple U.S. troops.
Coady had been deployed to Kuwait in August 2025 and was serving as part of a unit operating in the region when the strike occurred.
According to official reports, he was seriously injured in the attack and died while being transported to a hospital for emergency treatment.
The young soldier was later posthumously promoted from Specialist to Sergeant following his death.
His sister, Kiera Coady, shared an emotional statement describing the moment the family realized something was wrong.
She said the family last heard from Declan early on February 28, when he sent messages reassuring them that he was safe despite growing tensions in the region.
The following day, March 1, the family attempted to reach him again but received no response. Later that evening, around 8:00 p.m., the family’s doorbell rang.
According to Kiera, the moment left a lasting mark on the entire family.
She explained that everyone in the house immediately understood what the unexpected visit meant. The notification confirmed that Declan had been killed earlier that morning during the attack in Kuwait.
Kiera said she attempted to call her brother after receiving the news, hoping somehow to hear his voice or receive a message confirming he was safe, but there was no response.
Sgt. Declan J. Coady had recently been balancing military service with his academic studies. He was a student at Drake University in Iowa, where he participated in the ROTC program while pursuing interests in information technology and cyber security.
Friends and relatives described him as intelligent, disciplined, and passionate about technology.
While stationed overseas, he had been collecting computer parts with the intention of building a custom gaming and work computer once he returned home.
Outside of his studies and military service, Coady had several hobbies.
Growing up, he participated in the North Side Otters swim team, swam for Valley High School, practiced fencing, and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He was also known for his enthusiasm for fitness, gaming, and anime, particularly the series One Piece.
His sister said that although Declan was often quiet, he could talk for hours about the subjects he loved, especially technology and cyber security.
The loss has deeply affected the Coady family, including his parents and siblings Kiera, Aidan, and Rowan.
Kiera described her brother as a central figure in their lives and someone who provided constant support to those around him.
Sgt. Declan J. Coady was one of six U.S. Army Reserve service members killed in the Iranian drone strike in Kuwait, marking the first American military deaths reported during the current conflict.
Military officials and community members across West Des Moines, Iowa, have expressed condolences to the family, remembering the young soldier not only for his service but also for the life he was just beginning to build.
For the Coady family, however, the loss goes far beyond headlines or military reports.
As Kiera explained in her statement, while many may see Declan as another casualty of war, to them he will always be a son, a brother, and an irreplaceable part of their family.