NYPD officer dies after medical emergency during Kuwait deployment in ‘Operation Epic Fury’
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The New York Police Department is mourning the loss of Officer Sorffly Davius, an NYPD veteran and former major in the Army National Guard who died following a medical episode while deployed in Kuwait for ‘Operation Epic Fury.’
His passing coincides with a period of military mourning, as President Donald Trump honored six other US troops killed in a recent drone strike in the same area of conflict.
The NYPD mourns the loss of Police Officer Sorffly Davius, who passed away yesterday as a result of a medical episode while deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Epic Fury.
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) March 8, 2026
Officer Davius served in the 42nd Infantry Division in the U.S. Army National Guard and rose to the… pic.twitter.com/AmPTClTHtG
NYPD mourns Officer Sorffly Davius after deployment death
The NYPD confirmed that Officer Sorffly Davius, who joined the force in 2014, passed away due to an unspecified medical emergency.
Beyond his decade of service to New York City, Davius served as a major in the 42nd Infantry Division of the US Army National Guard.
In a tribute posted to X, the department expressed its grief, stating, "Today, and always, we keep his family in our thoughts and prayers. May we never forget Officer Davius’ sacrifice and may his memory be a blessing."
Devastated by the loss of Major Davius, a true Citizen Soldier, devoted husband, and father.⁰⁰I’ve personally conveyed my condolences to his wife and am keeping his loved ones in my thoughts. ⁰⁰We’re continuing to pray for the safety of all who protect us, at home and abroad. https://t.co/uZCKVKdteG
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) March 8, 2026
Zohran Mamdani, Jessica Tisch honor Officer Davius
City and state leaders joined together to recognize the officer’s lifetime of commitment to the public.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica S Tisch noted in a joint statement that "His career was defined by service, to his country and to New York City," adding that "Our thoughts are with Officer Davius and his entire family as they mourn his loss. May his memory be a blessing."
Governor Kathy Hochul also shared her heartbreak after speaking with the officer's wife, describing him as a devoted husband and father. "We’re continuing to pray for the safety of all who protect us, at home and abroad," the governor said.
Trump honors fallen US troops at Dover
The tragedy in Kuwait reflects a broader loss for US troops, as President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump traveled to Dover Air Force Base on March 7 for a dignified transfer ceremony.
They gathered to honor six soldiers from the Iowa-based 103rd Sustainment Command who were killed on March 1 when an Iranian drone targeted Port Shuaiba.
Reflecting on the heavy cost of the mission, the president described the fallen as heroes who were "coming home in a different manner than they thought they’d be coming home."
During a summit in Miami prior to the ceremony, the president referred to the strike as "a very sad situation" and reaffirmed his commitment to work to keep American war deaths "to a minimum."
