Mar 30, 2020 - Health

First U.S. service member dies from coronavirus

Ursula Perano

Photo: Yasin Ozturk/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

The Pentagon on Monday announced the death of a member of the New Jersey National Guard who tested positive for the coronavirus.

Why it matters: It's the first U.S. service member — active, reserve or Guard — to die from the virus, according to the Pentagon. The guardsman passed away on Saturday after being hospitalized for the novel coronavirus on March 21.

"This is a stinging loss for our military community, and our condolences go out to this family, friends, civilian co-workers and the entire National Guard community. The news of this loss strengthens our resolve to work ever more closely with our interagency partners to stop the spread of COVID-19."

— Defense Secretary Mark Esper

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First U.S. service member dies from coronavirus

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