One of Lost Navy SEALs Identified by Family

Loved ones of those killed Thursday in have begun to speak about their losses – one of the Navy SEALs who died hailed from Michigan and was set to be married in December.

David Warsen, 27, according to MLive.com, graduated from East Kentwood High School, outside Grand Rapids. He enjoyed soccer and had an interest in becoming a teacher. 

He shifted to a Navy career, joining nearly four years ago, according to the report. He was expected back from Afghanistan in early October.

The Associated Press reported Thursday that 11 people died, seven of them Americans, in the crash of the UH-60, which remains under investigation. The Taliban initially claimed responsibility for taking down the helicopter, but U.S. officials said the cause was unclear.

The agency also said three  of the dead were from the Navy, including two SEALs and an explosives expert.

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat also reported that a 23-year-old soldier died in the crash. His sister identified him as Richard Essex, a music lover who had written two books of poetry.