Fort Mill soldier killed in Iraq leaves behind wife, young daughter

Authorities say a soldier from Fort Mill, South Carolina who had been stationed in Texas has been killed in Iraq.

The Pentagon said in a news release that 24-year-old Spc. Javion Shavonte Sullivan of Fort Mill died Monday in a noncombat-related incident.

"Make a better life for his family and fight for his country. That's just something he wanted to do," said his aunt Patrica Hackett. 

The Defense Department said Sullivan was assigned to the 16th Signal Company, 11th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade at Fort Hood, Texas. He was taking part in Operation Inherent Resolve, an effort to combat the Islamic State in Iraq.

Sullivan transferred to Fort Mill High his junior and senior years of school. 

Wrestling coach Christoper Brock describes Sullivan as intimating but humble. 

"He's sort of a gentle giant," he said.

The soldier leaves behind his wife, Rayven LaShonta Sullivan, and their young daughter. 

Sullivan's death is under investigation. No other details were immediately released.

"He is gone but looking at her, she is his twin. We will always see Javion in Mahogany," said Hackett.