Kentwood Navy SEAL dies in Afghanistan

KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) - An East Kentwood High School graduate died when a military helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan.

David Warsen, 27, was a Navy SEAL and among 11 people aboard the Black Hawk helicopter, which crashed Thursday morning.

Seven American troops, three Afghan security force members and an Afghan civilian interpreter were aboard the chopper. They were on a Special Operations mission in the Kandahar province.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for shooting down the chopper.

Family members told 24 Hour News 8 they first knew something was wrong when Davey - as he was called - didn't call his fiance Karlyn Deveau after he completed a mission. That was something he always did.

"When she was at work, two personnel from the naval base came to share with her that Davey was part of that downed helicopter," said Kent County Commissioner Harold Voorhees, Warsen's great uncle. "That's what started the hurt and the wailing."

Although Warsen was in Afghanistan for months,  his Facebook page shows his mind was back in the states, posting how he couldn't wait to marry Deveau in a ceremony that would have taken place at the beginning of December...and how he loved her.

Since his death dozens shared their shock and grief on that same Facebook page within hours of his death. Some are having a hard time believing he's gone.   

"He's so trained. They're trained for survival and I would expect in many other points of conflict he would have survived. But when you're in a helicopter like that it's just very tough."

And even though their loved one is gone, Warsen's family tells us they're proud of his sacrifice and think Warsen would be the first to tell others that "it's worth it".

"I'm sure he's proud of his life and would have been so much more thankful if he could have done more," said Voorhees. "When you're doing good you don't want it to end...when you're making a difference you want it to continue," Voorhees said. "He was not ready to close the book, but we don't know those things for any of us."

Voorhees asks that the community keep Warsen's family in their prayers.  

Funeral arrangements have yet to be determined.  Family members met with Navy officials Friday to discuss bringing Warsen home.