WATERBURY, Conn. -- Gov. M. Jodi Rell has ordered U.S. and state flags lowered to half staff in honor of a Marine from Waterbury who died in Iraq.

Corporal Christian Cotner, 20, of Waterbury, died in a non-combat incident on Friday.

Military officials said the incident in which Cotner died remains under investigation.

"The news of his loss is heart-breaking for all Connecticut residents," Rell said on Monday. "Corporal Cotner was proud to serve as a U.S. Marine, and he courageously put on the uniform to protect our freedom. On behalf of all state residents, I extend our deepest sympathies to his friends and family."

Cotner is the 40th military member with ties to Connecticut who has died in Iraq and Afghanistan since U.S. operations began in those countries in 2003 and 2002, respectively. Two civilians from the state have also died.

Funeral services are pending. Rell said flags in the state will remain at half staff until Cotner is buried.