Courier Journal -- FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Military officials are investigating the unexplained "non-combat" death of a Kentucky National Guard soldier in Iraq this week, the head of the state Guard said yesterday.

Sgt. 1st Class Charles Jason Jones, 29, was found dead in his quarters at Camp Liberty in Baghdad about 6 a.m. local time on Wednesday, a Guard spokesman said.

Kentucky Adjutant General Donald Storm said there was not enough information as of yesterday to determine how Jones died, including whether foul play, natural causes or suicide might have been involved.

"He was a fine soldier who died serving his nation in a faraway land," said Storm, who knew Jones as a boy and had helped recruit him.

Gov. Ernie Fletcher ordered flags at state office buildings lowered to half-staff in honor of Jones, who was the 12th Kentucky National Guard soldier to die during the war on terror.

Storm said he was not aware of any wounds on Jones' body, and expected an autopsy to be performed overseas. A Guard spokesman said more information could become available within a week or so.

Jones was a medic assigned to the headquarters of the 149th Brigade Combat Team, which is commanded by his father, Col. Charles T. Jones.

The colonel was stationed in Tikrit at the time of his son's death and is now on his way home, Storm said.

Family members requested privacy and declined interview requests yesterday, Storm said.

Storm said he was childhood friends with Col. Jones and had known his son since he was young.

"He was a very intelligent young man and worked hard," Storm said. "By being a medic, that conveys to you that he wanted to help others."

Jones, a Lawrenceburg resident who grew up in Laurel County, had been serving his third tour overseas. Before going to Iraq this year, Jones had served in Afghanistan and the Balkans, Storm said.

A guardsman since age 17 in 1993, Jones was a decorated soldier who held an Army Commendation Medal, an Iraq Campaign Medal and Kentucky Distinguished Service Medal. Jones had been married and divorced once, but did not have any children, Storm said.