U.S. soldier dies trying to save kids in fire

(AP) HOPE MILLS, N.C. - A Special Forces soldier who recently returned from Afghanistan and his two young daughters are dead after he tried to rescue them from their burning home near a North Carolina military post.

The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office says 36-year-old Edward Cantrell and his daughters, 6-year-old Isabella and 4-year-old Natalia, all died in the fire early Tuesday near Fort Bragg.

Spokeswoman Debbie Tanna says Edward Cantrell and his wife, 37-year-old Louise Cantrell, escaped by jumping from the home's second floor. But Edward Cantrell wrapped himself in a blanket and re-entered the burning home in Hope Mills, about 10 miles from the post that is home to the Green Berets and other Special Forces units.

Edward Cantrell is a member of the 3rd Special Forces Group.

Louise Cantrell is being treated at a hospital for smoke inhalation.