Hibbing police are investigating the possible suicide of a Minnesota National Guard soldier whose body was found Monday in the Hibbing armory.
The Minnesota National Guard identified the soldier as Staff Sgt. Ryan Esala, 43, of Virginia, Minn., who served for more than 26 years. Published reports indicate that a weapon was near the body.
Esala joined the Minnesota Guard in September of 1989 and was deployed to Bosnia in 2003-04 and Kuwait in 2011-12. He most recently served as the unit supply sergeant for Alpha Troop, 1-94 Cavalry, headquartered in Hibbing, the Guard said.
Mark Brunswick
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Local
High Schools
The Hamline Elite Meet, already in rare air, presents a co-ed look
The mixed-gender relay, unavailable elsewhere in Minnesota, is back for the third time, and participation will be nearly tripled from where it started.
Minneapolis
Minneapolis to set up Lake Street Community Safety Center, and wants residents' help to define it
A temporary community safety center on the immigrant business corridor, followed by a permanent one coming to 2633 Minnehaha Av., aim to reinvigorate public safety in south Minneapolis.
Curious Minnesota
Searching for Snoopy: What happened to all the 'Peanuts' statues in St. Paul?
The creative tributes to the comic strip characters were ubiquitous in the capital city in the early 2000s.
Local
North Oaks withdraws request for density exemption from Met Council
Met Council staff members said the planned development didn't meet density requirements, and that granting North Oaks an exception could set a bad precedent.
High Schools
Fall or spring, it's Rochester Mayo's year in prep tennis
The Spartans have the top-ranked boy and a high team ranking now, after producing individual and team champs during the girls season.