Topeka ? It has been seven weeks since his son died in Iraq, and David Finch is still trying to find out what happened.

Kansas Army National Guard Sgt. Courtney D. Finch, 27, of Leavenworth, died July 24 of unknown causes. The Department of Defense reported only that Finch died of “injuries sustained from a noncombat-related incident.”

Finch’s father, David Finch, said he was told he would receive a cause of death within six weeks. Seven weeks later, he is upset at what he sees as the slow progress.

Sharon Watson, spokeswoman for the Kansas National Guard, said she couldn’t comment because the military is still investigating the death. She also said there’s no word on when a cause of death might be determined.

Meanwhile, David Finch has hired a private investigator and has started calling his son’s fellow soldiers.

People who were close to Courtney Finch say he was found dead in his room. They also say his death was a surprise.

David Finch said he has learned that after returning from patrol on July 24, members of his son’s platoon each took two IVs of saline solution and drank a gallon of water. Finch said he also has heard that his son hadn’t urinated in the two days before his death.

“His kidneys were probably shutting down and you don’t force IVs to someone like that,” Finch said.