A Missouri National Guard soldier died Monday after receiving an injury during a training exercise in Guatemala. 

Staff Sgt. Robert J. Traxel of Union, Missouri was taking part in the Beyond the Horizon Guatemala exercise as a part of public affairs support.

The Missouri National Guard reports that a tree limb fell and struck Traxel in the head, severely injuring him. 

Traxel was a public affairs broadcast specialist with the 70th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, based out of Jefferson City. He served in Afganistan in 2008 and Iraq in 2011 with the Army.

The National Guard says he was a highly decorated Soldier.

An investigation into Traxel's death is ongoing.

He left behind a wife and four children.