Romel Catalan dies 'of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle'

Flags were flown at half-staff at the state Capitol in Sacramento Tuesday in honor of a 21-year-old Los Angeles soldier who was killed in Iraq.

Spc. Romel Catalan died Saturday from wounds he suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Ameriyah.

"Our nation has suffered a great loss with the death of Specialist Romel Catalan. Romel's bravery and devotion to his country and loved ones will be greatly missed but never forgotten," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said.

Catalan was assigned to the U.S. Army's 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, based in Fort Lewis, Wash. He was a member of the Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

From KCAL 9