Soldier with West Michigan ties killed

MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) - A U.S. Army soldier with ties to West Michigan was killed in action in Afghanistan last week.

U.S. Army Specialist Vilmar Galarza Hernandez was killed in Khandahar Province after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near him. He suffered injuries that led to his death on May 26, according to the U.S. Army.

Hernandez was a member of the 2nd Infantry Division out of Washington.

Hernandez's parents live in Salinas, Calif. His wife lives in Muskegon.

U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Michigan) issued a statement Monday on Hernandez' death --

"Every life is precious and the loss of Specialist Hernandez is another tragic reminder of the ultimate cost our brave men and women as well as their families are faced with," the statement read in part. "My heart goes out to the family of Specialist Hernandez in both Muskegon, Michigan and Salinas, California."