Bermel, Afghanistan ? An Army corporal from Hiawatha became the sixth Kansan to die in Afghanistan.

Jeremiah S. Cole, 26, died Aug. 16 in Bermel from injuries he received when an improvised explosive device exploded near his vehicle during combat, the Defense Department said Thursday.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to Jeremiah’s family, friends and fellow soldiers,” Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said. “He has made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom, and he will not be forgotten.”

Cole was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.