DES MOINES, Iowa- A 19-year old Iowa National Guard soldier died Tuesday while swimming at near a Naval Station at Guantanamo Bay beach.
The Iowa National Guard says Pfc. Matthew Cox, a Des Moines native, was overpowered by a strong current, while swimming with other soldiers.
Cox was a part of the 186th Military Police Company, based at Camp Dodge, which had deployed to Cuba.
Cox enlisted in the Iowa National Guard in 2017.
"This is indeed a sad day for the Iowa National Guard. The loss of a Soldier under any circumstances is difficult. My heart aches for Matthew's family as well as the Soldiers he served with in the 186th MP Company," said Maj. Gen. Tim Orr, the Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cox family and his fellow Soldiers. We will do everything in our power to assist them during this difficult time."
Services are pending.