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Autopsies: Soldiers deployed to Arizona-Mexico border died by suicide

Secretary Mattis approves extension of troop deployment on Mexico border

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Asia J. Sorenson

<p>U.S. Marines with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7, carry concertina wire to their worksite near the California-Mexico border at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in California, Nov. 20, 2018. U.S. Northern Command is providing military support to the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to secure the Southern border of the United States. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Asia J. Sorenson)</p>

By: Associated Press

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TUCSON, AZ — A medical examiner says two soldiers helping secure the Mexico border in Arizona died by suicide.

Pima County Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Greg Hess said Thursday the soldiers died of self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

Officials say 20-year-old Pfc. Steven Hodges of Menifee, California, died June 1 near Nogales, and 21-year-old Pfc. Kevin Christian of Haslet, Texas, died Sunday in Ajo, about 200 miles from Nogales.

Both soldiers were assigned to the Southwest Border Support Mission.

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