FOXKANSAS.com -- A soldier from Kansas was among those killed during a weekend attack in eastern Afghanistan by insurgents, who targeted and attacked a U.S. helicopter, killing 30 Americans.
Spencer C. Duncan, 21, of Olathe, was working on the aircraft when it came under fire, Chief Warrant Officer Michael Walsh said Sunday. The attack on the CH-47 Chinook helicopter in the Tangi Valley area of the Wardak province, left 30 U.S. service members dead, including 22 Navy SEALs. The attack has been described as the worst single-day loss of American life since the Afghan war began. Eight Afghans were said to have been killed during the fighting.
U.S.-led coalition forces were engaged on the ground with Taliban insurgents when the crash occurred. The helicopter was carrying reinforcements when it crashed. NATO officials are investigating the incident.
Duncan graduated from Olathe South High School and was a member of Bravo Company, 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment and was based at New Century Air Center in Gardner, officials said. He joined the U.S. military in 2008 and has been serving in Afghanistan since the end of May, authorities said.
FoxKansas.com Staff Writer Alfred Charles contributed to this report.
