See more of the story

Tad Hervas, a 49-year-old major in the Minnesota National Guard, died from a gunshot wound to the head, but the investigation into his death is continuing, the Guard said Tuesday in a statement.

An investigation is being conducted by the Army's Criminal Investigation Command and will include forensics, weapons testing, and an analysis of circumstances before his death, the Guard said.

Hervas, of Coon Rapids and a Bronze Star winner, was serving a second tour of duty in Iraq.

His death was ruled noncombat-related. He was deployed to a base in southern Iraq and was working in military intelligence, his family has said.

He served previously in the U.S. Air Force.

Citing the open investigation, the Guard would not indicate whether a weapon was found near where Hervas' body was discovered, or whether the military is looking for possible suspects.

Mark Brunswick