Ryan Hammond, a 2007 graduate of John Marshall High School in Moundsville, was among six U.S. servicemen killed overnight in a plane crash in Afghanistan. Five civilians also were killed when a U.S. Air Force C-130J transport plane crashed at an air base in eastern Afghanistan.
A spokesman for Marshall County Schools confirmed that Hammond attended John Marshall, but couldn't say more about him. No one in the district office worked at the school while Hammond attended there, Tony Wood said.
He passed along a statement from Marshall County Schools superintendent Michael Hince.
"Marshall County Schools is always saddened to hear about the loss of one of our family members," Hince said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to members of Ryan's family and his friends as they struggle with the loss of a loved one."
Sen. Shelley Capito issued a statement Friday about Hammond's death.
"The devastating loss of West Virginia native Ryan Hammond is a stark reminder of the sacrifices our brave military men and women make to keep our country safe," she said in the state. "I am heartbroken by this tragedy and offer my deepest sympathy and prayers to Ryan's family and to all of the families of those killed. Their bravery and service to this nation will not be forgotten."