U.S. Soldier from Inland Empire Dies in Non-Combat Incident in Kuwait

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA – A 23-year old Army soldier from Hemet was killed in a non-combat related incident in Kuwait, the Pentagon announced today.

Spc. John P. Rodriguez died while "supporting U.S. Army Central (Command)" as a combat engineer in Kuwait as part of Operation Inherent Resolve at the time of his death, according to Gil Telles, an Army spokesperson. The operation comprises of a U.S.-led campaign against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

The circumstances surrounding his death were not disclosed due to an ongoing investigation.

Rodriguez had been assigned to the 2nd Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, of the 1st Armored Division headquartered in Ft. Bliss, Texas.

A post on the 2nd Engineer Battalion's Facebook page said a memorial ceremony for the families at Fort Bliss would be scheduled in the near future.

"A son, a husband and a friend to everyone around him, 'Rod' was an amazing person that we all loved, the post said. Our most heartfelt condolences go out to his family back home.

"Our Army family will keep all of them in their prayers and never forget this outstanding patriot. Rod touched the lives of so many of our Soldiers and Veterans over the last couple of years in the unit."

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--City News Service contributed to this report/Images courtesy of 2d Engineer Battalion