Local soldier dies in combat in Afghanistan

HACIENDA HEIGHTS, Calif. — A 24-year-old soldier from Hacienda Heights died Tuesday in combat in Afghanistan, the Department of Defense said today.

Spc. William J. Gilbert, 24, of Hacienda Heights, died from wounds inflicted by an improvised explosive May 14 in Senjaray, Afghanistan. The infantryman was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. He was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Three other soldiers died in the same blast, including Mitchell Kirk Daehling, 24, who was in Gilbert’s unit.