Army Reservist Reportedly Falls to His Death in Saudi Arabia

The Pentagon identified an Army Reserve soldier today who died Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

Spec. Clayton James Horne, a military police officer, died Aug. 17 due to "wounds sustained [from] a noncombat related incident," according to a Defense Department press release.

The Pentagon provided no further details about Horne's death but said the incident is currently under investigation.

"Spec. Horne was a professional and was committed to the mission," Maj. Valerie Palacios, a spokeswoman for the 200th Military Police Command, out of Fort Meade, Maryland, said in a separate statement. "We are grateful for his service. A thorough investigation is being conducted into the circumstances, and therefore we are unable to provide any further information at this time."

But Horne's civilian employer, the Winn Parish Sheriff's Office in Louisiana, said Horne died after falling from a tower while overseas, according to a Stars and Stripes report.

Horne began working as a sheriff's deputy there after graduating from the police academy in nearby Alexandria, Louisiana in November 2018, Stripes reported.

Palacios would not confirm the cause of Horne's death.

The 23-year-old Atlanta, Louisiana native joined the Army Reserve May 15, 2015, according to Palacios.

Horne was assigned to the 351st Military Police Company, 160th Military Police Battalion, 290th Military Police Brigade, 200th Military Police Command. His awards include the NationalDefense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon, Palacios said in the statement.

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to correct Horne's home state.

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.