The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Nathan W. Nakis, 19, of Corvallis, Ore., died on Dec. 16 in Mosul, Iraq. Nakis was in a convoy returning to Mosul when he lost control of his vehicle after driving through an oil-soaked area. Nakis was assigned to Company B, 52nd Engineer Battalion (Heavy), Army National Guard, based in Albany, Ore.

The incident is under investigation.