Conn. soldier found dead in Tenn. home

BERLIN, Conn. (WTNH) -- For the second time this week a soldier from Connecticut has died. An Army Ranger from Berlin who was stationed at Fort Campbell in Kentucky is being remembered and honored for his service.

First Lieutenant Christopher Rogan of Berlin, Connecticut survived a seven month deployment to Afghanistan.

"Go Chris, go. That's what it was all about. Every time we hear he'd make an achievement or get a medal, it was absolutely outstanding," said Michael Rogan, Chris' uncle.

When he returned to the states in November, his family thought the worrying was over. Then, last weekend, Rogan was found dead in his Tennessee home, right over the border from Fort Campbell Army Base in Kentucky. He was 24-years-old.

"We're all devastated from the loss. He's very young," said Michael Rogan. "I figured him to be a general at some point."

Rogan was a member of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. He went to college at West Point after graduating from Berlin High School.

People in town are very thankful for his work.

"Serving your country, whether abroad or at home, it hits in a town like Berlin. We're a close knit community and really everyone really knows each other, and I think it's very very sad," said veteran John Baccaro.

The governor ordered all flags in the state at half staff. This came after news of the death of another soldier. That is two Connecticut service members killed just this week.

Captain Andrew Pedersen-Kell of Madison was killed by an Afghan Police officer on Monday.

"Two deaths," said Baccaro. "I think it's just a terrible thing."

Now two local families prepare to say goodbye to young men who fought for freedom.

"The whole family, his cousins, were all looking up to him and my son's one of them," said Michael Rogan.

U.S. Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut released a statement about the deaths of the West Point graduates.

"Today is a sad day for Connecticut and for America. Pedersen-Keel and Rogan made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their nation, and we owe to them a debt of gratitude we will never truly be able to repay. We must never forget the courage and selflessness with which they served or let their deaths be in vain. My heart goes out to the friends and families of these two patriots," said Rep. Himes.

The Berlin Mayor Adam Salina also released a statement saying, "We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Chris Rogan, a graduate of Berlin High School and West Point Military Academy. He exemplified all of the ideals that we value in Berlin. This is truly a great loss for us all. On behalf of the entire Town of Berlin, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Chris."

Rogan's funeral is set for Monday at Porter's Funeral Home in Kensington. He will be buried at West Point.