July 7, 2020 3:20 a.m.

The Department of Defense has announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Joint Guardian.

Oregon Army National Guard Pfc. Alexander Blake Klass, age 29 from Willamina, Oregon, died as the result of a non-combat related incident on July 4th at Camp Novo Selo, Kosovo. The incident is under investigation.

Klass was assigned to the 2nd battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oregon National Guard in Springfield. He joined the Oregon Army National Guard on January 19, 2019 as an infantryman. He mobilized in January of 2020 and was scheduled to return home from Kosovo in November.