Updated: 07/20/2009 4:25 PM KSTP.com | Print Story
By: Becky Nahm

Rosemount Soldier Dies from Afghan Combat Injuries

Ben Kopp

Thomas Gramith Related stories:   Vigil Held for Fallen Minn. Soldiers  Three Minn. National Guardsmen Killed, One Injured in Basra  U.S. Military Releases Iraq War Death Toll Numbers  US Military in Iraq says 3 Soldiers Killed  Red Bull Infantry heads to Iraq

An Army Ranger from Rosemount died from injuries he suffered in a battle in Afghanistan earlier this month. Ben Kopp is the fifth Minnesota troop member to die in recent days.

Kopp was shot in the leg during combat July 10. He had been undergoing treatment at Walter Reed Medical Center. But over the weekend, his mother, Jill Stephenson, posted news of his death on his CaringBridge website.

She said that he had not regained consciousness since going into cardiac arrest after being treated for heavy bleeding.

Kopp's friends were surprised to hear of his passing.

Carly Jauman said, "When I heard the news it was really, really shocking. I really thought he would be ok."

His friends said he had a big personality and an even bigger heart and he only wanted to serve. That giving spirit continued in his death. His mother said his organs were donated.

Kopp served two tours in Iraq before his tour in Afghanistan.

Friday another Minnesotan serving in Afghanistan died in combat. Captain Thomas Gramith who was 27-years-old and from Eagan died when his F15E Strike Eagle went down near Kabul. A second officer died in the crash.

The U.S. Air Force said the crash was not caused by the enemy, but hearts are heavy at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base where the men were based.

Col. Mark Kelly said, "The loss we incur here is a family loss. It's very, very close and personal. "

The two deaths follow the deaths of three Minnesota National Guard troops killed in Iraq. Spc. Daniel Drevnick of Woodbury; Spc. James Wertish of Olivia; and Spc. Carlos Wilcox IV of Cottage Grove died Thursday in Basra.