DOD: East TN Marine dies in Iraq due to “non-combat related incident”

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Tenn. — The U.S. Division of Protection stated Thursday {that a} Marine from East Tennessee supporting Operation Inherent Resolve died on Dec. 19.

They stated Workers Sgt. Samuel D. Lecce, 32, from Jefferson County died as a consequence of a “non-combat associated incident in Iraq.” They stated that the incident was nonetheless beneath investigation.

The DOD additionally stated as a result of investigation, they might not present further particulars about his dying.

“Our highest precedence stays our folks, as we concentrate on offering the mandatory companies and sources to help his household and associates throughout this troublesome time,” they stated.

Operation Inherent Resolve is the U.S. operational identify for a global navy marketing campaign towards the Islamic State. The operation spans each Iraq and Syria, in accordance with its web site. There are 77 nations and 5 worldwide organizations within the operation, in accordance with its truth sheet.