The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. Nicholas D. Turcotte, 23, of Maple Grove, Minn., died Dec. 4 in An Nasiriyah, Iraq, from injuries suffered in a vehicle accident. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry, West St. Paul, Minn.

The incident is under investigation.

For further information related to this release, contact the Minnesota National Guard public affairs office at (651) 282-4684.