Minn. soldier in Iraq died from gunshot to the head

by Madeleine Baran, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — A Minnesota National Guard soldier in Iraq who died last Tuesday suffered a gunshot wound to the head, in an incident the Guard describes as non-combat related, officials said Tuesday.

Maj. Tad Hervas, 48, of Coon Rapids, was with the 34th Infantry Division, known as the Red Bulls. He had previously served in the Air Force in Iraq in the early 1990s.

In a statement, the Guard said the Army's Criminal Investigation Command continues to investigate the incident.

"A thorough investigation --- which will include forensics, weapons testing, and an analysis of circumstances prior to his death --- will determine a conclusion after all factors have been considered," the Guard statement said.

The military declined to release further information, citing the pending investigation.