Our Thoughts and Prayers are With Them

Canadian Soldier Dies in Accidental Fall in Afghanistan
Thursday, April 19, 2007
MAYWAND, Afghanistan — Another Canadian soldier has died in Afghanistan, this time the victim of an accidental fall in Kandahar.
Canadian military officials in Kandahar said the special forces soldier died Wednesday after falling from a communications tower during what they described as being a routine operation.
“I believe this was a routine activity that was underway, it was not operationally related,” Canadian military Col. Mike Cessford, deputy commander of Task Force Afghanistan told Global National. “It was simply and unfortunately an accident.”
Wednesday’s death brings the total number of Canadian casualties in Afghanistan to 54 soldiers and one diplomat.
Col. Cessford said that though other members of the special forces have been injured, the unidentified soldier is the first on the elite team to be killed while on duty in the country.
“This accident took place within the area of Kandahar City, but clearly for the reason of operational security, I cannot go over the exact location,” he said.
The next of kin has been notified, Col. Cessford said, but the soldier’s name has been withheld at the request of the family.
On Thursday morning, forces spokesman Capt. Martell Thompson said the military “understands and appreciates the public’s desire to know more details about any tragic events that have occurred” but said there are “unique security sensitivities” surrounding the special forces and their operations.
Capt. Thompson went on to explain the release of information relating to the special forces could potentially compromise either the operation in Afghanistan or national security in general.
That in mind, Capt. Thompson did say an investigation has been launched to determine what exactly led to the accident.