By Deanna Harris
The family of the Kiwi soldier killed in Afghanistan say he died doing what he loved.
Lieutenant Timothy Andrew O'Donnell, 28, was killed when his three-vehicle patrol was attacked with explosives, rocket propelled grenades and gunfire in north-east Bamiyan Province overnight.
Read Mike McRoberts' blog on the death of Lt Tim O'Donnell here.
His father Mark O'Donnell spoke about his much-loved son who could make friends wherever he went, at a press conference at Linton Army Camp this afternoon.
“Today is a very sad day for two families, the O’Donnell’s and the Army. As we come to terms with the death of our son Tim in Afghanistan this morning.
“Tim enjoyed life and his many friends. Friends and family were the most important to him,” said Mr O’Donnell.
Lt O’Donnell grew up with the dream of being a soldier.
“Ever since he was given an army helmet by his grandmother, as about a four-year-old, he wanted to be in the army. In his early days he played army painting his face with camouflage paint and dressing in his play uniform,” said Mr O’Donnell.
“Tim was very proud the day he was commissioned as an army officer and could deliver his dream.”
Mr O’Donnell asked for privacy as him and his family prepare for life without their son.
“There will be a large hole in our lives as we get used to a life without the personality and presence of our much loved son and friend.”
3 News
source: newshub archive
