By Umar Farooq
WASHINGTON (AA) – More than $290,000 has been raised Monday for an American mayor killed in service in Afghanistan.
The death of Brent Taylor, 39, of North Ogden, Utah, marks the third U.S. death at the hands of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). He was on a yearlong leave of absence to deploy with the Utah National Guard.
Taylor served in the National Guard for 10 years, and completed two tours in Afghanistan and Iraq prior to his most recent deployment. He was killed in an “insider attack ” by a member of the ANSF, the National Guard confirmed on Sunday.
Another U.S. soldier was injured in the attack. The attacker was killed by other Afghan security forces.
“Brent typified the citizen soldier who served so diligently in his community as well as felt this call to wear a uniform and serve where ever the nation needed him to go, ” said leader of the Utah National Guard Maj. Gen. Jefferson Burton.
He was expected to return to his mayoral position in January.
A GoFundMe page was launched Sunday with more than $292,000 raised.
Utah was in mourning following the news of Taylor's death, and many prominent figures offered their condolences.
“I am heartbroken at the loss of Major Brent Taylor. Our deepest condolences and constant prayers are with his wife Jennie, his children and the entire Taylor family. All of Utah mourns with you, ” Utah Governor Gary Herbert said on Twitter.
“Heartbroken with the tragic news of Major Brent Taylor’s death by gunfire in Afghanistan, ” Utah Senator candidate Mitt Romney also said on the microblogging site. “Another unmeasurable price is paid for freedom. ”
Taylor is survived by his wife and seven children. His body is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. later Monday.
“As one of many, many military families to give the ultimate sacrifice we also want to express our love for this great nation and the pride that we feel knowing that Brent gave his life in service to his country, ” Taylor's family said in a statement.
