MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A Minnesota National Guard soldier has died in Iraq, but not as the result of hostile action, the Guard said Friday.
Sgt. Maj. Michael Mettille, 44, of West St. Paul died Thursday at Camp Adder in Iraq, the Guard said. The cause of death was under investigation.
Mettille was serving as the company first sergeant with soldiers of the Brooklyn Park-based A Co., 134th Brigade Support Battalion when he died of a non-combated-related injury, the Guard said.
Mettille had been with the Guard for more than 26 years. Survivors include his wife, four children and his parents.
Mettille is the 51st person with strong Minnesota ties who have died in connection with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
