Berne soldier dies in Afghanistan

BERNE, Ind. (WANE) - A soldier from Berne died while serving in Afghanistan.  SPC Nick Taylor served in the Army National Guard.  He graduated from South Adams High School in 2010.

According to Taylor's brother Drew, Nick was riding in a military armored vehicle on Monday and came under fire. Drew said Taylor died as a result of an RPG (rocket-propelled grenade).  Drew said Taylor was not the only soldier to die in the attack.

Drew said his older brother had been his hero since he was in the third grade.

"He was my role model," Drew Taylor said.  "My best friend.  He helped me through everything.  So losing him, it feels like I lost part of myself."

Taylor played football, wrestling and track while attending South Adams High School. He was also a volunteer track coach at the school during the spring of 2011.

"You really liked the example he set," Jason Arnold, Nick Taylor's football coach, said.  "The service got a kid they look for.  They live for the Nick Taylors who had all the characteristics they want."

Anthony said he and Taylor had sat down while Taylor was still in high school to discuss his future.  He said Taylor considered going to college, and playing football.  However, he decided to enroll in the military, and go to college when his service was over.

Former teammates of Taylor were at the South Adams High School Monday to workout.  They said they'll always remember the fun they had with their long time friend.

"He's the most fun guy you'd ever meet," Chris Stutzman said.  Stutzman and Taylor played football and ran track together.  "He'd be up for anything."

"He was involved in everything," Roman Smith, another friend, said.  "If anybody asked him to do anything, he would help out with it."

Both friends said their friendships grew over the years.  A big part of their friendship was school, sports, and church activities.

Taylor was with the 713 Engineer Company of the Indiana National Guard based out of Valparaiso.

According to family, Taylor was scheduled to come home in September.  He and his brother Drew had spoken a couple weeks ago over the internet, where the two discussed enrolling at IPFW and majoring in criminal justice.

Taylor's father is Tim Taylor, the police chief of Berne.

The mayor of Berne, Bill McKean, announced on Tuesday that the flags at every city facility will be flown at half staff in honor of Nick Taylor once arrangements have been made.

The family has not yet announced funeral arrangements, or any community services.