Indiana Guardsman w/Area Ties Dies in Afghanistan

A member of the Indiana National Guard with area ties has died while serving in Afghanistan.

43-year-old Staff Sergeant Randy Lane died Friday of a non-combat related illness at Camp Phoenix in Kabul, Afghanistan, according to a release from the Indiana National Guard.  Lane lived in Indianapolis, but was formerly from Neoga and has relatives in the Effingham area.

Sgt. Lane was deployed in January as a member of the 1438th Transportation Company, stationed in Franklin, Indiana.  He served as a Motor Transport Operator and provided security for convoy operations while in Afghanistan.

Indiana Governor Mike Pence released a statement: "Karen and I offer our prayers for comfort and strength to the wife and family of Staff Sgt. Randall Lane.  I am grateful for men like Staff Sgt. Lane who sacrifice so that others may enjoy the blessings of liberty and freedom."

Funeral services for Lane are located here.