(Gray News) – A National Guard soldier died in a medical episode Friday while deployed to Camp Buehring, Kuwait, to support Operation Epic Fury.
The Department of War said the death of New York Army National Guard Maj. Sorffly Davius was not combat related. However, his death is the eighth since the United States and Israel began attacking Iran.
New York Army National Guard Major Sorffly Davius died in a medical episode Friday while deployed to Camp Buehring, Kuwait, to support Operation Epic Fury.(New York National Guard)
Davius, 46, was deployed to Kuwait last summer. He served as a data systems engineering officer and was responsible for computer and communications network security.
Davius joined the Air Force in 2004 and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. In 2013, he transferred to the New York National Guard.
Davius, who is survived by his wife and six children, joined the New York City Police Department in 2014. He previously served as a paramedic with the New York City Fire Department.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement that Davius was a “citizen soldier in every sense.”
“A dedicated NYPD officer and decorated Army veteran, he spent his career protecting others … His life is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by our National Guard members, who balance their roles as citizens, first responders, and soldiers,” she said.
In a joint statement, New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said Davius devoted his life to public service.
Davius received several awards for his service, including the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Air Force Overseas Service Ribbon, the Army Achievement Medal and the Humane Service to New York State Medal.
According to the New York National Guard, his death is under investigation.
Copyright 2026 Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.