Soldier with Fort Payne unit killed in Kuwait

GADSDEN, Ala. — An Alabama soldier assigned to the Fort Payne National Guard unit has been killed in an accident in Kuwait.

The U.S. Department of Defense released a statement Monday saying 19-year-old Spc. Adrian L. Avila, of Opelika, died of injuries sustained from a noncombat related accident.

Officials said Avila died Oct. 29 at Khabari Crossing, Kuwait.

The Fort Payne unit was deployed in April, along with the 151st Chemical Battalion of Gadsden, and the groups have been in Kuwait since June.

Public affairs officer Capt. Andrew J. Richardson said an investigation is under way and no other information will be released at this time.

Cheyenne Keef, president of the Family Readiness Group, couldn’t be specific but said what happened was an accident that could happen anywhere.