An Idaho soldier who grew up in Rupert died last week in Afghanistan.
Sergeant Chris Workman and three others crashed while in a Blackhawk helicopter in Helmand province. According to the New York Times, they were involved in a rescue operation for Afghan policemen.
All four were based at the 25th Infantry Division, Wheeler Army Airfield in Hawaii. The 33 year-old Workman lived in Boise before his assignment to Wheeler.
The division’s Major General Kurt Fuller says, “Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of our fallen heroes.” Workman’s family released a statement that reads, in part, “We want the world to know he will be missed by his loving family and by all who knew him.”
The cause of the crash is still under investigation although severe weather may have been a factor.
Copyright 2012 Boise State Public Radio.