Fort Hood, TEXAS — A soldier from Fort Mill who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve died Monday from a non-combat-related incident, Department of Defense officials said.
U.S. Army Spc. Javion Shavonte Sullivan, 24, was assigned to the 16th Signal Company, 11th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade, out of Fort Hood, Texas.
Sullivan died in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.
The incident is under investigation.
Sullivan was a former wrestler who graduated from Fort Mill High School in 2011.
"If there ever was a hero, I would say it would be Jay," his coach, Chris Brock, said.
Sullivan was a senior in high school when he met Brock.
"I didn't know him at all, but I just approached him one day and asked him about coming out for wrestling," Brock said.
"It's unusual for an upperclassman to pick up a challenging sport just like that, but Sullivan did," Brock said.
"He really gave us a lot in terms of ability, but he also provided a lot in terms of leadership and setting an example of what to be."
After Sullivan graduated, he went on to become a soldier in the Army.
Sullivan was part of the military coalition working against ISIS in Iraq and is the first American casualty of the effort against ISIS in 2018.
“You have questions, you have concerns,” Brock said. “Obviously, I am eager to learn what happened. Right now, I don't know. I don't think his mother knows. Hopefully, in the days and coming weeks, we'll figure out what went on, but regardless, disappointing."
A sign over the door to the gym characterizes the soldier and his sacrifice, Brock said.
"Victory is reserved for those who are willing to pay its price," the sign reads.
"A good guy is gone, and we're happy to have known him and, certainly, will miss him," Brock said.
Sullivan leaves a wife, Rayven, and daughter, Mahogany, 3, his family told Channel 9.
The Fort Mill High team hopes to honor Javion at its next home match Jan. 18, according to the Stars and Stripes newspaper.
Sullivan is the fifth York County casualty of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Pat Leach, Paul Neff, Kenneth James Butler and T.J. Dudley, all of York County, died in the wars fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. Chester County natives Logan Tinsley and Zandra Worthy-Walker also died in those wars.
Funeral services for Sullivan have not yet been finalized.
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