Newlywed Minn. Marine Killed in Afghanistan

A newlywed Marine from Minnesota has died in Afghanistan.

Cpl. Taylor J. Baune, 21, of Andover, died in combat Wednesday in Helmand province in Afghanistan, the Department of Defense said Thursday.

He served with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, based in Twentyninepalms, Calif.

His father-in-law, Randy Crooker, said he knew few details about how Baune died except that it was in an explosion.

Baune married Colleen Crooker Baune, 20, in Las Vegas in March, shortly before he shipped out to Afghanistan, Crooker said.

Baune was a 2009 graduate of Andover High School, where assistant principal Bob Bursaw called his death "sad news." Baune transferred to Andover from Anoka High School during his junior year, Bursaw said.

Crooker said three Marines delivered the news to his daughter late Wednesday as she returned home from work in San Diego.

He said Baune was a "happy-go-lucky guy" who "always lit up the room when he came in."

He also said the corporal had planned to return to civilian life after he finished his tour in November or December.

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