Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire has directed that flags at Washington state buildings fly at half staff Monday in memory of a Marine killed in Afghanistan.

The Defense Department said 19-year-old Lance Cpl. Eric L. Ward of Redmond died Sunday while supporting combat operations in Helmand province.

KSTP-TV in St. Paul reported Friday that Ward had Minnesota ties. The station said he lived in Chanhassen for several years before moving to Seattle.

He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.