WINNIPEG

Bomb kills Winnipeg soldier

ctvwinnipeg.ca Published Saturday, July 19, 2008 5:14PM CST

Text:

Cpl. James Hayward Arnal, the Winnipeg soldier who was killed by a roadside bomb near Kandahar City Friday, was "a thrill seeker" who lived "life to the fullest," says his family.

Arnal died in Afghanistan after he was hit by an explosion during a night patrol in the Panjwaii district.

"We don't have words to express the sorrow all Jim's family and friends are feeling," said a statement from his family released by the military.

"He lived life as fearless as he executed his role in Afghanistan, living life to its fullest. The Canadian Forces provided him with the opportunity to travel and he made friends all around the world. He was a thrill seeker and was always on the go."

Another soldier with Arnal was also hurt, but was not seriously injured.

"First aid was administered to Corporal Arnal immediately following the incident," said a statement by the Department of National Defence.

"He was evacuated by helicopter to Kandahar Air Field's Role 3 Multi-National Medical Facility, but sadly was pronounced dead upon arrival."

The head of Canadian forces in Afghanistan, Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson, said Arnal was a "dedicated soldier" who had a "very promising career ahead of him."

Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement, Arnal was "an outstanding Canadian" who will be mourned.

Canadian Press reporter Alex Panetta told CTV Newsnet by phone from Afghanistan on Saturday that he was told Arnal had left a lucrative career in Canada to serve in the military.

He was "described as a fearless soldier who chose to be here," Panetta said.

He said Arnal died in a relatively dangerous area "we haven't controlled to its fullest in the last little while."

Liberal Leader Stephane Dion released a statement on his website expressing his condolences.

"This tragic incident reminds us of the risks and sacrifices the men and women of our Canadian Forces face on a daily basis, as they work to build a brighter future for the people of Afghanistan," he said in the statement.

Arnal is the 88th Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan. He was based out of CFB Shilo, Man.

Some Canadian government and military officials have tried to put a positive spin on the mission in recent months, despite increased attacks by Taliban fighters. Thompson left little doubt the situation is difficult.

"Of course, soldiers are also not afraid to talk about the challenges faced here in Afghanistan," Thompson said.

"Let there be no doubt -- we do have our work cut out for us."

Thompson said NATO and Canadian soldiers will have to take a longer-term strategy, but they will succeed.

"This insurgency is not going to be defeated in the short term, which is why our focus is on winning the trust of the Afghan people, and building up local government and security institutions."

But the situation remains volatile. On Saturday, just hours after Arnal's death, a suicide bomber blew himself up in a separate attack on a road to Kandahar Airfield. The bomber was spotted by police and died when he detonated the bomb while running away. A boy and a police officer were also hurt.

Nine militants were also killed by Afghan troops in another incident. They had attacked a supply convoy.

Here is the full statement from the family of Cpl. James Hayward Arnal:

We don't have words to express the sorrow all Jim's family and friends are feeling.

He lived life as fearless as he executed his role in Afghanistan, living life to its fullest.

The Canadian Forces provided him with the opportunity to travel and he made friends all around the world. He was a thrill seeker and was always on the go, recruiting his friends to go with him. He was always planning his next adventure.

He was proud to be part of Canada's efforts to bring peace and stability to the people of Afghanistan.

A part of us has died with him and he will always be in our thoughts and our hearts.

We ask that the media respect our privacy during this time of sorrow and loss for our family.