NORTH COAST, Calif. – The Department of Defense announced the death of a North Coast soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Christopher W. Mulalley, 26, of Eureka, Calif., died Aug. 22, in Gardez, Afghanistan, as the result of a non-combat related incident.

The incident is under investigation.

He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.