Time to cut sling load and leave Afghanistan.
Brent Taylor, who stepped down as North Ogden mayor to deploy to Afghanistan with the Utah Army National Guard, died in Afghanistan Saturday, according to North Ogden City Councilman Phillip Swanson.
“Major Brent Taylor was killed in Afghanistan this morning. A news conference will be held tomorrow morning. Please keep Jennie and his children in your prayers,” Swanson said in a Facebook post, referencing Taylor’s wife.
Swanson subsequently said by phone that North Ogden residents are taking the news hard. “Terribly so,” he said.
A statement from North Ogden City Hall echoed the shock, lauding his service to the city.
“Brent had a profound influence on this community. He was the best of men with the ability to see potential and possibility in everything around him. We feel blessed to have had him as our mayor. Everywhere you look in North Ogden you can see his profound influence,” it said, in part.
The Utah National Guard issued a statement Saturday referencing the death of a guard member “in an apparent insider attack,” but didn’t identify the deceased.
“My heart breaks for the loss and sacrifice of our soldier, particularly for the family,” said Maj. Gen. Jefferson S. Burton, the adjutant general. “I wish them all the comfort and courage to face the difficult days ahead.”
Initial reports indicate the attacker in the incident was a member of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, the Utah National Guard statement said. The reports indicate the attacker was immediately killed by other Afghan Forces.