The close-knit community of Grove City, Ohio is mourning the death of Army Spc. Joseph “Joey” Riley. The 27-year-old was one of two soldiers killed Monday in Afghanistan, according to friends of the Riley family who spoke with the Columbus Dispatch.
The Department of Defense has yet to confirm the identities of the two soldiers who died on Monday in Kabul when a bicycle bomb detonated near their vehicle.
Riley is survived by his parents and two siblings.
Riley's parents released the following statement upon learning about the death of their child:
“We are so heartbroken by this news. We are proud of our son and the sacrifice he made. He loved the Army and felt strongly that freedom is worth the fight. He loved Grove City, and we have already felt comforted by the love and support of this community, our many friends, and our beloved church family. Please know that we will see him again because he trusted Christ to usher him into eternity in Heaven.”
Columbus television station NBC4i reports Riley's body will arrive at Dover Air Force base on Wednesday.
