A third native of South Portland has died in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Justin Buxbaum has been killed while serving his second tour in Afghanistan, South Portland High School Principal Jeanne Crocker said today.

Crocker is waiting to release more information, as the death has not officially been confirmed by Gov. John Baldacci’s office or the military. Crocker said she became aware of the death because Buxbaum has a relative who works for the school district.

Buxbaum was a 2004 graduate and was named the most improved student that year.

Two other recent South Portland graduates died in the wars. Marine Lance Cpl. Angel Rosa, 21, also a 2004 graduate, died on March 13, 2007 in Iraq. Army Sgt. Jason Swiger, 24, died in Iraq on March 25, 2007. He was a 2000 graduate of South Portland.