Soldier with ties to Southern Arizona dies in Afghanistan
Reporter: Alexis Fernandez
Web Producer: Taylor Higgins
SIERRA VISTA (KGUN9-TV) - A soldier who graduated high school in Sierra Vista has passed away while serving in Afghanistan.
Sgt. 1st Class Ryan J. Savard, 29, died Saturday, Oct. 13 in Khanabad District, Afghanistan, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.
Savard was killed by small arms fire while on patrol during combat operations.
Savard's brother, Jed Savard, says Ryan was a Green Beret who grew up in Jefferson, New Hampshire.
"He was beyond my brother, he was somebody I wish more people were like, he was just a very genuine person who had nothing bad about him," he said by phone.
Jed also said his brother was on a recent mission with Special Forces when he took multiple shots during a gun battle. Jed says his brother died quickly.
Savard's mother and father are headed to Delaware today to be present for the arrival of Ryan's casket.
His body will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
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