Good luck runs out

Canada has lost its first soldier in over three months in the Afghan mission: Corporal Kevin Megeney, a reserve member of the 1st Battalion Nova Scotia Highlanders.

There has been no official confirmation of details surrounding the incident, but there are reports that Megeney, 25, was killed in an accidental shooting.

Canadian reporters in Kandahar were in a military-ordered lockdown and were unable to immediately provide any information related to the report.

Megeney's sister, Lisa, told the Canadian Press that her younger brother was apparently in his tent when he was shot.

Megeney was apparently shot within the secure confines of Kandahar Air Field, which means there are really only three options: suicide, homicide, or accidental discharge of a weapon. Only when the MP's have concluded their investigation will we know for sure.

This is probably the first time in my life I've hoped a man's death was due to an accidental weapons discharge.

From all of us here at The Torch, our condolences go out to the family and friends of Corporal Megeney. Rest in peace, soldier.

Update: CBC is reporting that Cpl Megeney was shot in the chest, and both CTV and CBC have speculated that this was an accidental discharge.

The Globe and Mail say they have confirmation that it was an accident:

Colonel Mike Cessford, deputy commander of the Canadian Task Force in Afghanistan, said Cpl. Megeney was found in the area of the living quarters at Kandahar airfield.

Col. Cessford described the death as accidental, and said it is being examined by Canada's National Investigation Service.

Which leaves open the question of whose weapon fired, his or someone else's.