A Kansas soldier assigned to Belton, Missouri has been killed in Afghanistan.

The Pentagon says Sgt. 1st Class Trenton L. Rhea, 33, of Oakley, Kansas died May 15, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Officials say he drowned while attempting to cross a body of water during combat operations.

He was assigned to the 603rd Military Police Company, 530th Military Police Battalion, 300th Military Police Brigade, 200th Military Police Command, Belton, Mo. Rhea was originally from Oakley but lived with his family in Liberty, Missouri.

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Kansas Governor Sam Brownback issued the following statement:

“On behalf of the citizens of Kansas, Lt. Governor Colyer and I offer our condolences to Sgt. 1st Class Rhea’s family and friends for their loss,” said Governor Brownback. “Sgt. 1st Class Rhea will always be remembered for his service by the American people. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this dark time.”