A method of data communication. The method includes transmitting a control message identifying missing data as lost by the transmitter prior to the expiration of a timer. The missing data may include at least one data packet such that the control message identifies the at least one missing data packet. The control message may include a field and/or an acknowledge sequence number for identifying the missing data packet. The control message also may include a packet data unit having a dummy payload and/or a zero payload. The control message communicates to the receiver that the transmitter has aborted the transmission and/or retransmission of the one or more missing data packets. The control message may be communicated to the receiver over the same data channel used for transmitting the data packets, or alternatively, a wholly different channel than the data channel.