The family of Cpl. Conner T. Lowry is remembering him today as big-hearted, funny, and a brother who gave the best hugs. Lowry died March 1st while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, according to the Department of Defense. He was 24.
The DoD reports the "incident" that caused his death is under investigation.
Lowry was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton.
The 6'5" Lowry grew up on Chicago's South Side, and was getting ready to discharge from the Marine Corps in four months, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. But before he did, he made sure to share his adventures in Afghanistan with students from Christ the King School, where he attended elementary school. Pastor Tom Conde told the Chicago Sun-Times the students had been sending Lowry letters and care packages, and were preparing to send him a St. Patrick's Day gift when they learned the news of his death.
Chicago television station WLS spoke with Lowry's family today:
