Soldier from Fridley dies after hiking accident in Alaska

A hiking accident earlier this month in Alaska has claimed the life of a Fridley native, according to the U.S. military. Specialist Kyle Lee Gustafson, 34, an explosive ordnance disposal specialist, sustained injuries from a fall while hiking Turnagain Arm on September 2nd, south of Anchorage, and was subsequently flown to a hospital. Despite medical intervention, Gustafson tragically passed away from his injuries. Gustafson had joined the Army in December 2020 and was serving with the 716th Ordnance Company, 303D Ordnance Battalion-EOD, 8th Military Police Brigade stationed in Hawaii. Prior to that, he had received his training at various bases across the country. He had arrived in Alaska in May of this year. Additionally, Gustafson had previously served in the Marine Corps. Further details about the circumstances leading up to his death are not yet available.