Opelika soldier dies in Kuwait accident

An Opelika serviceman died Thursday of injuries sustained in a non-combat related accident while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom in Khabari Crossing, Kuwait.

U.S. Army Spc. Adrian L. Avila, 19, was assigned to the 1343rd Chemical Company, 151st Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Battalion, 115th Fires Brigade of the Alabama Army National Guard in Fort Payne, Ala., according to a press release issued by the Department of Defense.

According to the release, the circumstances of the incident in which Avila was injured are under investigation.

Avila was a former student at Opelika High School, said Becky Brown, spokeswoman for Opelika City Schools.

Opelika High School principal Dr. Stan Cox confirmed Avila attended Opelika High School for part of his ninth grade year.

“The military gave him stability. It was a good thing for him,” Cox said. “He was a very pleasant kid. He was well-liked. He did everything he was supposed to do. He was just pleasant to be around.”

Avila also attended Southview Primary School, Northside Middle School and Beulah High School, Cox said.

No further information about Avila’s military service or the incident was available Monday.