Lake County soldier dies in Saudi Arabia

A 28-year-old Army soldier and father of two who grew up in Winthrop Harbor died in Saudi Arabia Tuesday while on duty.

Sgt. 1st Class David G. Robinson was in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, supporting Operation New Dawn, the U.S.’s Iraqi rebuilding effort, according to his family.

Details of his death were not available Thursday, and the family said they were not informed of how he died other than that it was a noncombative situation.

“As a son he was great,” said Dennis Robinson. “He was a fun loving guy, he always liked to smile, to help people.”

David Robinson’s wife Emily, 28, and two sons Matthew, 7, and Jackson, 4, remained in El Paso, Texas, Thursday night, where their father was based.

Dennis Robinson said his son was on his second tour of duty in the Middle East when he died.

Although Dennis Robinson had spoken to his son, he said David was not able to provide details of what he was doing other than that he was supporting a unit of five to seven service members in the kingdom’s largest city.

“It’s still under investigation,” Robinson said. “His death, it’s the first death in Riyadh.”

David Robinson joined the Army in 2003 in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks, his father said.

“I think it was all about right after nine-11 and the big surge of patriotism,” he said. “A lot of guys were joining the service. I believe he had a patriotic feel for things when he got in.”

Robinson is remembered as an avid Bears and Cubs fan who enjoyed playing golf when he wasn’t with his family.

Robinson attended St. Joseph Catholic Academy in Kenosha, Wis., and met his future wife while in high school.

His father said he was dedicated to the military and was planning on making the service a lifelong career.

He is survived by his parents, Dennis and Marijo Robinson and his brothers Gregory, 46, and Michael, 32. Robinson was preceded in death by his brother Joseph.