Louisiana Deputy Died While Serving with Army Reserves — BDC archive

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A Louisiana sheriff’s deputy died while serving as a military police officer with the U.S. Army Reserve in Saudi Arabia.

Specialist Clayton James Horne, 23, of the Winn Parish village of Atlanta, fell off a tower in Riyadh, according to the Winn Parish sheriff’s and Louisiana governor’s offices.

“Clayton was an excellent deputy, and I was looking forward to him completing his tour and returning to work at the Sheriff’s Office,” says a statement the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office posted Saturday on its Facebook page.

“... Please keep his family and friends in your prayers during this most difficult time.”

Horne enlisted in the Army Reserve on May 15, 2015, and was assigned to the Ocala, Fla.-based 351st Military Police Company, 160th Military Police Battalion, 290th Military Police Brigade, 200th Military Police Command, the Defense Department reports.

He was deployed in January.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Horne family during this tragic event,” said Maj. Valerie M. Palacios, spokeswoman for the 200th Military Police Command. "Specialist Horne was a professional and was committed to the mission. 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.”

On Monday, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards released the following statement mourning Horne’s death Saturday “as a result of wounds sustained by a non-combat related incident ... .”

“It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of Spc. Clayton Horne, of Atlanta, La., who died serving his country in Saudi Arabia while supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. Spc. Horne made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of all of us, and the people of our nation and our state owe him and his family an enormous debt of gratitude. Spc. Horne not only served as a military police officer but also a Winn Parish sheriff’s deputy, dedicating his life to keeping people safe. We can never thank him enough for his commitment to our state and our country. Please join me and Donna in prayer for this young man’s family, friends and fellow soldiers during this difficult time.”

— Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards

Horne had earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

https://www.ksla.com/2019/08/19/louisiana-deputy-dies-while-serving-with-army-reserve/