US soldier dies in Jordan; incident does not involve Jordanians

AMMAN  — The US embassy in Amman on Tuesday said no Jordanians were involved in the death of Spec. Adrian M. Perkins, 19, of Pine Valley, California, who died in the capital last Saturday. 

“We are very sorry to confirm reports that a US soldier was shot at a Jordanian military base and that the soldier died on May 17, 2014 at the King Hussein Medical Centre in Amman as a result of his injuries,” a spokesperson for the US embassy told The Jordan Times.

“There were no Jordanians involved in the incident, because it was between two US soldiers. The government of Jordan has turned over jurisdiction of the investigation to the US Armed Forces,” the spokesperson said on condition of anonymity.

Investigation is under way to uncover the details of the incident, he added.

The US Department of Defence announced the death of Perkins, who it said was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, according to a statement on its website.

Operation Enduring Freedom is the official name used by the US for its Afghanistan operations.

The Department of Defence said the soldier, who was assigned to 1st Battalion, 67th Armour Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado, died from a “non-combat related injury”.

“Out of respect for the family during this difficult time, we have no additional comment on this case,” the embassy spokesperson said.

“We are thankful to tireless efforts of the medical staff at King Hussein Medical Centre and to the government of Jordan and the Jordan Armed Forces for their assistance at this difficult time, particularly with the repatriation of the deceased to the United States,” he added.