An airman died Thursday at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany from injuries sustained while deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, defense officials said.
Staff Sgt. James T. Grotjan, 26, succumbed to injuries he suffered during a non-combat-related incident on July 8 at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates.
“This is was a tragic event and our thoughts are with the family, friends and teammates of James,” said Col. Donn Yates, 4th Fighter Wing commander, accoring to the Goldsboro News-Argus.
“He was an integral part of our team and our hearts are heavy with his loss.”
The Waterford, Connecticut, native was assigned to the 4th Civil Engineer Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina.
No additional details regarding the incident were provided.
J.D. Simkins is the executive editor of Military Times and Defense News, and a Marine Corps veteran of the Iraq War.
