The family of fallen Eatonton soldier Erica Alecksen, who was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, has suffered another loss.

A native of Wisconsin, Lars Alecksen, 51, passed away Tuesday, his mother-in-law Maurine Huggins told 13WMAZ. Results from the autopsy aren't expected until later this week but Huggins said it appears to have been a heart attack.

"Really, he died of a broken heart because of Erica," Huggins said.

Army Specialist Erica Alecksen of the 978th Military Police Brigade was killed July 8, along with five other soldiers, when a roadside bomb struck a tank in Wardak Province.

Huggins called it "a bad dream turned into a nightmare" for the family. 

Bernard's Family Funeral Care in Eatonton will handle the arrangements.