A nighttime explosion in Afghanistan has killed a garrison soldier just days before he was supposed to come home.
Pvt. Kevin Thomas McKay, 24, of the 1st Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry was killed on May 13 while on foot patrol in the Panjwayi district in Afghanistan, about 15 kilometres southwest of Kandahar City. He died after an improvised explosive device exploded at about 8 p.m. local time. He was reportedly two days from finishing his tour in Afghanistan.
An Ontario man stationed at the Edmonton Garrison, McKay was serving with Task Force 3-09 Battle Group and on patrol near the village of Nakhonay, according to media reports. The patrol was meant to maintain a visible presence in the area and maintain security for reconstruction projects.
Canadians will be forever proud and grateful for McKay’s service in Afghanistan, said Prime Minister Stephen Harper, expressing his condolences in a release.
“Private Kevin Thomas McKay served Canada valiantly, and deserves the gratitude and respect of his nation.”
McKay is the 144th Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2002.
