Marine Michael Laski, aged 21, from the Signals Detachment, Yankee Company, 45 Commando Royal Marines died peacefully in Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham, UK on 25 February 2009 of wounds sustained from enemy fire while on a reassurance patrol in near Sangin in Northern Helmand on Monday 23 February. Marine Laski was taking part in a foot patrol to provide security to the local Afghan community. When crossing open ground they were engaged by enemy fire and during the engagement that followed Marine Laski was struck by a bullet. Despite the best efforts of all involved he failed to recover consciousness and died with his family round him.