He is the second soldier to die in combat in less than a week, and the 90th Canadian soldier lost in Afghanistan since the Canadian war effort began in 2002.

The battle occurred at a combat outpost early morning Monday, in the Panjwayi District of Afghanistan.

An injured soldier is airlifted out of the Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit in Afghanistan today.

Killed in action was Master Corporal Erin Doyle, a member of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patrica's Canadian Light Infantry based in Edmonton, Alta. Doyle was attached to the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Light Infantry. He leaves behind his wife Nicole and his daughter Zarine.

One of Doyle's fellow soldiers, Chief Warrant Officer Christopher White described Doyle as having a physique that may have intimidated some, but he carried the nickname of 'Friendly Giant.'

Brigadier-General Denis Thompson, commander of Joint Task Force Afghanistan, referred to Doyle as a "big tough, mountain-of-a man who enjoyed the outdoors." He also praised him as a "true warrior and just the person you would want beside you in a firefight."

The injured soldier was airlifted Monday night out of theatre.