A North Bend High School graduate died Thursday while serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan.

Lt. Col. James L. Wiley Jr., 46, was about a year into his first tour of duty in Afghanistan when he was killed, according to his mom, Ruth Wiley of North Bend.

U.S. Army personnel contacted Lt. Col. Wiley's parents on Thursday, though details of their son’s death were minimal.

“They said gunfire, but they didn’t have any detailed information,” said Ruth Wiley.

He was assigned to the 27th Brigade Combat Team, New York Army National Guard, Syracuse, N.Y.

The incident is under investigation.

No funeral arrangements have been made. See Saturday's World for the full story.