JUST IN: US soldier dies from injuries sustained during disastrous Biden-Harris Gaza pier failure

Sgt. Quandarius Davon Stanley, a 23-year-old U.S. soldier injured during the temporary Gaza pier mission over the summer, died last week, the Army reported on Monday. Assigned to the 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Stanley was one of three U.S. service members who sustained injuries in non-combat incidents during the mission. Two of the soldiers returned to duty shortly after, having only minor injuries, while Stanley’s injuries required prolonged medical treatment, the New York Post reports.

“Stanley was injured while supporting the mission that delivered humanitarian aid to Gaza in May 2024 and was receiving treatment in a long-term care medical center,” said Capt. Shkeila Milford-Glover, a spokesperson for the 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command. After being transferred back to the U.S. for treatment at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, in June, Stanley was medically retired due to the severity of his injuries, which prevented his return to active service. He ultimately passed away on October 31.

The mission, part of an effort by the Biden-Harris administration to increase aid access to Gaza amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict, faced frequent logistical and weather-related challenges. The pier remained functional for approximately 20 days and successfully delivered over 19 million pounds of aid.

Col. John “Eddie” Gray, commander of the 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), spoke on Monday, saying, “Sgt. Quandarius Stanley was an instrumental and well-respected first line leader in the 7th Transportation Brigade Expeditionary (TBX), especially during the mission to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. We will continue to provide support to his family during this difficult time. Our entire unit mourns alongside his family.”

Vice Adm. Bradley Cooper, deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, initially confirmed Stanley’s injury along with those of the other troops back in May. He noted that one soldier was being treated at a hospital in Israel after an injury sustained on a ship at sea, although details on the exact nature of Stanley’s injury remain undisclosed. However, officials have clarified that it was non-combat related.

According to a recent Government Accountability Office report, U.S. Army watercraft, including those involved in the pier mission, have faced significant maintenance and readiness issues due to “aging vessels, supply shortages, and obsolete parts.” An obituary for Stanley described him as leaving “a void in the hearts of many” and someone who was “loved and cherished by many people.”