Family remembers serviceman who died from cancer
Yahoo News
Last updated: August 25, 2026
This article reports on the death of Sergeant First Class Paul Welby, a 43-year-old veteran who passed away from esophageal cancer. His family believes his illness may be linked to exposure to burn pits during his service in Afghanistan.
- Sergeant First Class Paul Welby, who was 43 years old, died on Friday.
- His family suspects his esophageal cancer may have been a consequence of his service in Afghanistan.
- Specifically, they point to the potential exposure to burn pits as a possible cause for his illness.
- The article highlights the family's grief and remembrance of the veteran.
- Burn pits were commonly used in military operations in places like Afghanistan to dispose of waste.
- Concerns have been raised nationally about the long-term health effects on service members exposed to these pits.
- The exact cause of Sergeant First Class Welby's cancer is under investigation, but his family draws a direct parallel to his military service.
