News ReleaseFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2009
Contact: DEA Public Affairs
(202) 307-7977

DEA Mourns the Loss of Three DEA Special Agents in Afghanistan

OCT 26 - WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) today confirmed that three Special Agents were killed during a counternarcotics mission in Afghanistan.

“Today, the Drug Enforcement Administration mourns the tragic loss of three DEA Special Agents and seven U.S. service members killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan,” said Acting Administrator Michele M. Leonhart. “The incident occurred during the early morning hours of October 26, when these heroic individuals were returning from a completed, joint counternarcotics mission.”

“We are all saddened by this tragic event. DEA is an extremely tight family, and the death of these three brave agents is a devastating loss for us. No expressions of grief can adequately convey the depth of the collective sorrow that we feel for their loved ones.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family members of our fallen heroes. We owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid and we will forever carry their memories in our hearts.”

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