INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WOWO): Thursday afternoon, Governor Mike Pence released the statement below, regarding the passing of Hoosier soldier Staff Sgt. Jesse Lee Williams, of Elkhart.

“It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Staff Sgt. Jesse Lee Williams, a heroic Hoosier who fell this week in the midst of his third deployment defending our freedom in Afghanistan. Jesse Lee Williams is an American hero whose service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by the people of this state and nation. On behalf of the First Lady and Hoosiers everywhere, I send our deepest condolences and prayers to his family, friends and all those mourning the loss of this exemplary Hoosier soldier.”