Canadian soldier dies of firefight injuries
Updated Sat. Aug. 9 2008 12:46 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
A Saskatchewan-born soldier has died of a gunshot wound suffered in a firefight with Afghan insurgents in the volatile Zhari district.
Master Cpl. Josh Roberts belonged to 2nd Battalion, the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based in Shilo, Man.
The soldier was involved in a joint operation designed to disrupt Taliban activity in the farming area west of Kandahar City when the incident occurred early Saturday.
"Master Cpl. Roberts was moved by armoured vehicle to the closest combat outpost and was immediately evacuated by helicopter to the Role 3 Multi-National Medical Facility at Kandahar Airfield," Brig.-Gen. Dennis Thompson, commander of Task Force Afghanistan, told reporters during a briefing at the Kandahar Airfield.
Soldiers with Charlie Company administered first aid to Roberts at the scene. However, "the nature of his injuries were such that in spite of their efforts, his life could not be saved," the general said. Doctors pronounced the soldier dead on arrival.
Roberts had transferred to the Regular Forces from the North Saskatchewan Regiment in 2006. His superiors promoted him to master corporal only two weeks ago.
"His best friend describes him as 'a no-nonsense kind of guy who lived like people dreamed; he was a fun-loving and genuine individual who was totally dedicated to the Army and held his section together. He looked out for his guys in ways they probably didn't realize,'" Thompson said.
"We are deeply affected by this loss. Josh will be greatly missed by his military family."
The military is also investigating the possibility that a private security company passing by in a convoy may have accidentally fired on the Canadian soldiers.
The death is the 89th suffered by Canadian military personnel in Afghanistan since 2002. A Canadian diplomat has also died there.
With files from The Canadian Press
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