Kandahar, Afghanistan (eCanadaNow) - - In a tragic turn of events, a Canadian soldier who was scheduled to come home from deployment soon has been killed. Canadian Soldier Michael Yuki Hayakaze was riding in an armoured vehicle, which struck an IED on Sunday, killing the young man.
The vehicle in which Hayakaze was riding was part of a supply convoy traveling in the Panjwaii district, about 45 kilometres west of Kandahar. Immediately following the explosion Trooper Hayakaze, age 25 years, was rushed to the hospital by helicopter. Despite heroic efforts to save his life, Hayakaze was pronounced dead on arrival at the medical unit located at Kandahar Airfield.
“This is a very hard thing, a difficult time for everyone involved. We mourn his passing and console his family, we all, his colleagues, his friends, and his family have lost a very dear comrade,” said Brigadier General Guy Laroche. General Laroche is with Coalition Forces in Afghanistan.
Trooper Hayakaze was a member of the Royal Canadians, part of Lord Strathcona’s Horse Regiment.
Canadian Defense Minister Peter MacKay stated “The prayers and thoughts of all Canadians everywhere go out to his comrades, friends and his family during this difficult and hard time.” “We will not forget the supreme sacrifice that Trooper Hayakaze has made, his sacrifice and his service helped so many others in making their lives better,” said Minister MacKay.
