Tragic Story of US Marine Killed in Kabul Terror Attack... Waves of Condolence Follow

Ryle McCallum, a U.S. soldier who died in the suicide bombing at Kabul Airport on the 26th.
[Photo by The New York Times]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] A tragic story of one of the U.S. soldiers who died in the suicide bombing at Kabul Airport in Afghanistan has spread waves of mourning.

According to the New York Times and others on the 28th (local time), a suicide bombing occurred at Abbey Gate of Kabul Airport in Afghanistan on the 26th. It is estimated that at least 170 people died, and the New York Times reported that Specialist Lyle McCollum, in his 20s, was the first publicly confirmed American casualty.

Lyle’s death was confirmed by his father, Jim McCollum. In a phone interview with the New York Times, Jim said, "My son’s unit was deployed from Jordan to Afghanistan to assist with security operations and evacuations."

Jim continued, "I knew it in my heart," recalling his son as "a beautiful soul." He also said, "We lost all lives including my son there and came back to square one," but added, "It is somewhat comforting that my son died helping people," and "I couldn’t be prouder of him. He was a hero."

Lyle was born in February 2001 in Wyoming. He dreamed of becoming a soldier since he was three years old and enlisted two years ago after graduating from high school to fulfill that dream. In May, Lyle shared on his Facebook a wedding photo along with the news of his wife’s pregnancy, but tragically, he never got to meet his son and lost his life, deepening the sorrow.

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon expressed condolences over Lyle’s death. Through his social media, he said, "I am deeply shocked by the news that we lost one of Wyoming’s residents in the Kabul attack," and added, "My heartfelt prayers go out to Lyle McCollum and his family and friends."

Meanwhile, the New York Times also reported that U.S. soldier Maxton Sobierak from Ohio lost his life in the same attack. Upon hearing the news of Maxton’s death, his younger sister Marilyn posted on social media, "My brother died yesterday trying to save lives," and expressed, "His death has left a 'Maxton-sized hole' in the lives of those who loved him." Maxton graduated from high school in 2017 and was serving as a Navy medic at the time of his death.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.