Kentucky soldier dies in Iraq in noncombat incident

A solider from Richmond, Kentucky has died in a noncombat incident in Iraq, the U.S. Department of Defense announced Sunday. 

Spc. Ryan Dennis Orin Riley, 22, died Saturday in Ninawa Province, Iraq, according to a news release.

Riley, a fire control specialist, was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, which was established in 2014 to formalize military actions to fight ISIS in Iraq and Syria. It also sets conditions for follow-up operations to stabilize the area, according to the operation's website. 

He enlisted in October 2016 and as part of his first deployment arrived in Iraq in December 2018, said Lt. Col. Martin L. O'Donnell, spokesman for the 101st Airborne Division. 

The incident is under investigation. No further details were released. 

More:Vet crawled across the Boston Marathon finish line to honor a Kentucky soldier

Riley was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky. 

"We are deeply saddened by Ryan's passing. Our hearts go out to his family as together we mourn the loss of our brother-in-arms," said Col. Derek Thomson, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) commander. "As we grieve this tragic loss, we will also draw strength from his memory as his mates continue to build the capacity of the Iraqi Army and enable the defeat of ISIS."

Reporter Matthew Glowicki can be reached at 502-582-4989 or mglowicki@courier-journal.com. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: courier-journal.com/mattg.