CUMMING — The funeral escort Friday for a Buford man who died in Afghanistan halted traffic in downtown Cumming as the procession made its way to the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton.

U.S. Army Spc. Kyle E. Gilbert, 24, died Sept. 21 after suffering non-combat related injuries while supporting Operation Freedom Sentinel in Bagram, Afghanistan, according to the U.S. Department of Defense. The incident is under investigation.

Gilbert was buried with full military honors at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton.

Born on Sept. 29, 1990, Gilbert served with the 10th Mountain Division, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.

According to ArmyTimes.com and other media reports, he enlisted in April 2013 and trained at Fort Benning near Columbus before arriving in November 2013 at Fort Drum in New York. He deployed to Afghanistan in June.

Gilbert graduated from Mill Creek High school in 2009, according to his obituary from Flanigan Funeral Home.

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and Army Service Ribbon.

Gilbert had completed the Combatives Level 1 Course and the Combat Life Savers Course.

In Gilbert’s obituary, Lt. Col. Michael Kovacevic described him as “an exceptional soldier and junior leader in our battalion.”

“He met every mission and challenge with contagious enthusiasm and vigor,” Kovacevic said. “His memory will forever remain with those who served with him.”

Immediate survivors include his parents, stepparents and siblings.