Scranton veteran whose esophageal cancer was thought linked to Afghanistan burn pits dies

SCRANTON, Pa. — Note: The above video is from an earlier story.

Sergeant First Class Paul Welby, an Army veteran from Scranton who developed esophageal cancer potentially from exposure to burn pits in Afghanistan, died Friday. He was 43.

Welby’s death was confirmed by members of his family.

Remembered Saturday as a “resilient spirit,” Welby was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in June. Welby joined the Army nearly 20 years ago and served in Afghanistan. It is believed his exposure to burn pits there contributed to his development of cancer.

Welby’s uncle, Lackawanna County Commissioner Thom Welby, said his nephew seemed to be improving with treatment but then quickly declined. 

He recently entered hospice and married three days before he passed away.