Ryan R. Berg slain by sniper

A 19 year old Army private who was killed by sniper fire has become the first soldier from Sabine Pass to die in the war in Iraq.

Relatives say 19 year old Army Private Ryan Berg was killed Tuesday. They say he was shot in the shoulder by a sniper in Baghdad and died before he got to a hospital.

Berg got married about four months ago.

He is the first soldier from Sabine Pass killed in Iraq.

The last time Berg's family saw him was during the Christmas holiday when he returned home. He left just six days ago.

He has been in the Army since July of 2005 when he was 18.

He was supposed to get out next year.

Relatives have released a statement to KFDM News about Ryan Berg:

"We're proud of his service and very saddened with the loss. We appreciate the support for the family from the community. We'll keep moving forward."

From KDFM 6