Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — A United States Army soldier from Ogden died Sunday in Afghanistan in an incident not related to combat, according to the Pentagon.
Sgt. 1st Class Elliott J. Robbins, 31, died in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province, in the southwest part of the country, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Defense.
Robbins’ death is still under investigation, according to the release. No details about the cause of his death were released Monday.
He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion of the 10th Special Forces Group, which was deployed out of Fort Carson, Colorado, and is supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, according to the news release.
Operation Freedom's Sentinel started in 2015 and is the successor to Operation Enduring Freedom, the United States' post-9/11 counterterrorism effort, according to the U.S. Army.
He was a Green Beret medical sergeant, according to a report from the Military Times.
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert announced Monday that the United States and Utah flags will be flown at half-staff on the day of Robbins' funeral.
“I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Sergeant First Class Elliott J. Robbins this morning," Herbert said in a news release. "I am grateful to him for the service he gave his country. Jeanette and I extend our sincere condolences to his parents, his wife and son at this difficult time. Our hearts and prayers are with them.”
Several other Utah politicians also offered condolences to Robbins' family Monday.
"My heart goes out to the family of Sgt. Robbins who died while deployed in Afghanistan," U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah, said in a tweet. "I’m grateful for his service and sacrifice to our country."
Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said he was “heartbroken” over Robbins “tragic” death.
“Our prayers are with his family and loved ones,” Romney said via Twitter Monday. “May we never forget his service and sacrifice for our country. “
Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, also shared he was heartbroken to hear the news that “one of Utah’s finest,” had died.
“My thoughts go out to his wife and son and all those who call him family, friend, or brother-in-arms,” Wilson said in a statement. “His sacrifice and service will not be forgotten and will be felt continually by Utahns as we remember the freedoms we enjoy. On behalf of the Utah House, I share my condolences with SFC Robbins and his family for their service.”
Utah Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, said he was “deeply saddened” when he heard the news and sent his “heartfelt condolences” to those who knew Robbins.
Robbins is the third member of the 10th Special Forces Group who has died in Afghanistan in recent months, according to the Military Times.
Master Sgt. Micheal B. Riley, 32, of Heilbronn, Germany, died June 25 in Uruzgan Province in central Afghanistan. He died from combat injuries he suffered in a small arms fire, according to the report.
Sgt. 1st Class Will D. Lindsay, 33, of Cortez, Colorado, died March 22 from injuries he suffered while in combat, the Military Times reported.
No other information about Robbins’ death was immediately released Monday.
Contributing: Lauren Bennett, KSL.com
Photos
Most recent Utah stories
Related topics
Jacob Klopfenstein
