Officer assigned to Troy-based 42nd Infantry Division dies of undetermined causes in a non-combat incident while serving in Kuwait
Major Sorffly Davius died on March 6, 2026 at Camp Buehring, Kuwait
Latham, New York (03/09/2026) — New York Army National Guard Major Sorffly (SOR-FLEE) Davius, a resident of Cambria Heights, Queens, New York City, died of undetermined causes while serving with the 42nd Infantry Division at Camp Buehring, Kuwait on March 6, 2026.
His death was not combat related.
Davius was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion of the 42nd Infantry Division which deployed to Kuwait in the summer of 2025 in support of Operation Spartan Shield.
The Troy-based division headquarters is commanding Task Force Spartan, the Army force in the United States Central Command area. Davius served as a data systems engineering officer in the division headquarters, responsible for computer and communications network security.
He joined the Air Force in 2004 and transferred to the New York National Guard in 2013.
Davius, age 46, previously deployed to Kuwait from October 2010 to July 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
He is survived by his wife and six children.
In civilian life, Davius was a member of the New York Police Department, joining the force in 2014.
Prior to his deployment, he had been on military leave from the department, and serving on state active duty as a member of the New York National Guard's Joint Task Force Empire Shield.
Joint Task Force Empire Shield is the New York National Guard's security force which works with law enforcement in New York City.
Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general of New York said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Major Davius at this most difficult time. The U.S. Army and the New York National Guard will do all we can to assist his family."
"Service to our State and Nation is the highest calling one can make. We pray for Major Davius, and all our service men and women here at home and across the world," Shields said.
Shields was present for the return of Davius remains to the United States at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on March 9, 2026.
Davius has been awarded 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. Contact New York National Guard Public Affairs, 518-786-4581
Media Attachments
Major Sorffly Davius
New York National Guard
Lt. Col. Jean Kratzer, 518-786-4581Share this Story
Recent News
- Hopewell Junction resident Jorge Medina is promoted to major in the New York Army National Guard
- NY Army Guard aviators to participate in Canadian Army Reserve Exercise
- West Valley resident, promoted to one-star general during August 15th ceremony at NY National Guard Buffalo Connecticut Street Armory
- East Amherst man named top New York Naval Militia member for 2026
- Thiells resident Col. Steven Perry takes command of training unit at Camp Smith Training Site.
- New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs Annual Report is now available for download as a digital document
- Mechanicville resident Lynette Tangredi becomes top enlisted leader for New York Air National Guard
- New exhibits at New York State Military Museum employ augmented reality to tell the story of the 1777 Battle of Saratoga.
- Major Devin Will, a Remsen resident, takes command of New York Air Guard's 224th Security Forces Squadron at the Eastern Air Defense Sector
- 109th Airlift Wing volunteers restore iconic LC-130 gate guard, preserving the wing's history.