Sergeant Anibal Santiago, 37 years old from Belvidere, died from injuries sustained in a non-combat incident. He was reportedly conducting combat operations over mountainous terrain when the accident happened.
Prior to his military service, Santiago served as a Chicago Police Officer.
He was on his third tour of duty at the time of his death.
Santiago is survived by his wife and son.
Another Illinois soldier, Sgt. Jesse Tilton, 23 years old from Decatur, died from wounds when insurgents attacked his unit in Kandahar City.
