New York leaders pay tribute to Trinidadian-American service member killed in Iran

“Today, New York mourns the loss of one of our own, Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad of Ozone Park, who is believed to have been killed in action while serving our nation on July 17,” Hochul said. “My heart is with her family, loved ones and the soldiers who stood beside her as they grieve this unimaginable loss.

“Sgt. Rampersad lived a life of courage and selflessness,” she added. “New York and our nation are safer because of brave Americans like her who answer the call to serve. 

“May we honor her memory, remember her sacrifice and keep all who loved her in our prayers,” the governor continued. 

Rampersad was born in Trinidad and moved with her family to New York in her early childhood.

Mamdani acknowledged that Sgt. Rampersad was killed at a military base in Jordan “while serving our country. 

“Sgt. Rampersad’s courage and sacrifice will be remembered not just in Queens, but across all five boroughs,” he said. “My deepest condolences are with her family, loved ones, and all those grieving this profound loss. 

“For so many New Yorkers, wars overseas are never distant — they are felt here at home,” Mamdani added. “The sacrifices made by service members and their families are a constant reminder of this. 

“We are forever grateful for their service and will work every day to honor it,” he continued. 

City Council Speaker Julie Menin and Council Member Joann Ariola said in a joint statement that “our city mourns the presumed loss of Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad, an Ozone Park resident who died this past weekend in Jordan serving her country. 

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends as they grieve the loss of their beloved,” they said. “As this conflict continues in the Middle East, we pray that all our service members remain safe and return home to their families.”

Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar, representative for the 38th Assembly District, which encompasses Ozone Park, described Sgt. Rampersad as an “American hero”. 

She said Sgt. Rampersad, 28, was serving at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, when it came under enemy attack. 

“She answered America’s call with courage, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to defending our nation and the freedoms we hold dear,” Rajkumar said. “Sgt. Rampersad embodied the very best of the United States Army and of our country. 

“She served far from home, stood in harm’s way, and carried out her duty with honor,” she added. “Her service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by Ozone Park, Queens, New York City, or a grateful nation. 

“We have a sacred obligation to honor those who wear our nation’s uniform and the families who serve and sacrifice alongside them,” Rajkumar continued. “As a member of the New York State Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, my commitment is to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who serve and stand with the families who bear that sacrifice alongside them. 

“I stand shoulder to shoulder with her family, especially her parents, Basdeo and Carol, and with all who love her during this unimaginable loss,” she said. 

The Pentagon announced on Tuesday that Sgt. Rampersad “is believed to have been killed in action on July 17, 2026, during an enemy attack at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan. 

“The incident is under investigation,” it said. “US Central Command previously announced this soldier as missing. The soldier status was updated to a Duty Status–Whereabouts Unknown and is believed to be deceased.”

The Pentagon said Sgt. Rampersad was assigned to 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 10th Army Air & Missile Defense Command, Ansbach, Germany.