Lakeside Soldier Killed While Stationed in Texas

MISSOULA — The name of a 33-year-old Montana soldier from Lakeside who died of a gunshot wound while stationed at Ford Hood in Texas has been released.

Fort Hood officials say Sgt. 1st Class Christopher David Atkinson died Thursday in Temple, Texas, after sustaining the gunshot wound Monday at Fort Hood.

Officials say the shooting remains under investigation.

Atkinson deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom from December 2005 to November 2006 and from June 2008 to May 2009.

Atkinson received numerous awards and decorations, including a Bronze Star.

Atkinson joined the U.S. Army in 1998. Since September 2009, he had been assigned to 1st Battalion, 393rd Infantry Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade.

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