Sgt. Declan Coady, a 20-year-old U.S. Army Reserve soldier, was one of six American servicemen tragically killed in a drone strike by Iran in Kuwait on Sunday. This marks the first American casualties in the ongoing conflict with Iran. His death has left a profound impact on his family, who have shared a heartbreaking statement detailing their emotions and experiences during the heartbreaking time.
Declan, who had been deployed in Kuwait, had maintained contact with his family throughout the week, assuring them of his safety. His family’s statement describes their last moments of communication with him and the pain they endured in the hours leading up to the devastating news.
A Family’s Last Moments with Declan
“Saturday, February 28, at 4 a.m., we woke up to a text from Declan saying he was safe,” his family recalls. At the time, the family had no idea what was unfolding, and they continued to receive updates from Declan, who reassured them that he was alright. But on Sunday, March 1, the family noticed an unsettling silence when they tried to check in with him.
“Trying to stay positive, we all assumed he was just in a situation where he couldn’t message back, but we all knew something was wrong,” the statement continues. The family’s worst fears were realized later that evening when the doorbell rang at 8 p.m. “The rest of that night will forever be one of the worst nights of our lives,” they write. “While it’s all blurry, we all knew what the doorbell meant.”
The Heartbreaking Loss of a Son and Brother
Declan was killed that morning in Kuwait when an Iranian airstrike struck. He sustained injuries and tragically passed away on the way to the hospital. His family, especially his older sister, struggles to come to terms with his untimely death. “As his older sister, I can’t quite comprehend it even now, but the only thing I can think is that I wish I had called him one more time and told him I loved him,” she says, her voice filled with emotion.
The sister expressed the deep pain of not being there for Declan in his final moments. “I wish that I had been able to be there or trade places with him, or anything just so he could have known he was safe and that we loved him and he didn’t need to be scared.”
Declan, who left for Kuwait in August, was only 20 years old at the time of his passing. He had been preparing to celebrate his 21st birthday on May 5. “He was just a baby, and will forever be mine and Aidan’s baby brother, Rowan’s older brother, and our parents’ son,” his sister said, her voice filled with grief.
Remembering Declan’s Life and Legacy
Declan was described by his family as someone who loved life and had an enormous passion for the things that mattered to him. He had a love for gaming, was an avid gym-goer, and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Declan had dreams of continuing his studies and pursuing a career in IT and cybersecurity.
Despite the sorrow and pain that now grips his family, they are determined to keep his memory alive. Declan was more than just a soldier; he was a beloved son, a loving brother, and an individual who had his whole life ahead of him. His sister summed it up with a powerful tribute: “He was so kind, so amazing, and he was my baby. Declan was a man of few words, but when he spoke about something he loved, you knew it was coming from the heart.”
A Family’s Message to the World
The family of Sgt. Declan Coady has made it clear that their pain and loss are not just personal; they want the world to remember the cost of war, the sacrifice of young men and women, and the pain that follows. “I wish I could think of words beyond that he was smart and kind and amazing, but even if I were to throw in other words, it still wouldn’t quite capture his spirit,” his sister shares.
“Declan was truly a rock in all of our lives and was just the most amazing brother and son my family could have asked for.”
As the family continues to grieve, they will forever honor Declan’s memory, knowing that his sacrifice was not in vain. Their message is clear: Declan’s life mattered, and his spirit will never be forgotten.
Final Farewell
The tragic loss of Sgt. Declan Coady serves as a reminder of the heavy toll that war takes on individuals and their families. At just 20 years old, Declan’s life was tragically cut short, but his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Rest in peace, Declan, and thank you for your service. You will never be forgotten.
