Nicholas D. Turcotte killed in vehicle accident

For the third time in less than week, a soldier's family receives the worst possible news from Iraq.

Monday, Spc. Nicholas Turcotte, 23, of Maple Grove was killed when the armored vehicle he was occupying rolled over near Nasiriyah.

The accident was not the result of enemy action and the cause remains under investigation. No other Minnesota National Guard soldiers were hurt in the accident, the Guard said.

While it may be unclear exactly why his vehicle rolled over, it is clear that Maple Grove suffered a huge loss.

"He always put a smile on our faces and would come in-- in the morning and always had a good joke. He was happy to defend his country and serve... I'm quite certain that someone is looking out for him," Eric Bitterman Band Director at Maple Grove High School said.

Those who knew him from his time in the National Guard, said Turcotte was a leader and always part of the team.

"Any time anyone needed someone to help out, he was there. He was always willing to volunteer," Lt. Col. Kevin Gutknech said.

From KSTP 5