NJ National Guard Captain Dies From Coronavirus

JACKSON, NJ — A New Jersey National Guard captain died from the novel coronavirus, Governor Phil Murphy announced Monday. Douglas Linn Hickok died at a Pennsylvania hospital.

Hickock was originally from Jackson and lived in Pennsylvania. He is the first American service member to die from the coronavirus, according to Secretary of Defense Mark Esper.

Hickock died Saturday after he was hospitalized March 21, according to the DoD.

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

He served as a drilling guardsman and physician's assistant. His age was not immediately available.

"Our thoughts are with his wife, children, and their family," Murphy said.

Murphy said New Jersey had 3,347 new cases on Monday, raising the state's case total to 16,636. Thirty-seven more people died, raising the state's total to 198. Read more: NJ Coronavirus: 3,347 New Cases, 37 Die In Highest 1-Day Toll