Here are the names of the 13 U.S. service members killed in Afghanistan attack

On Thursday, an attack by the Islamic State terror group killed 13 United States service members outside Kabul’s airport where Americans and allies were being evacuated from Afghanistan. The group, known as ISIS-K, claimed responsibility for the attack, calling it a “martyrdom attack.” Additionally, at least 18 service members were injured. On Saturday, the Department of Defense released the names of the 13 service members who lost their lives in the attack.

Besides the 11 Marines who lost their lives, two more service members were killed in the attack: Navy Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, from Berlin Heights, Ohio, and Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, from Corryton, Tennessee.

Their passing has been deeply felt on social media, with condolences pouring in from family, officials, friends, and even strangers.

Below are the names and pictures of the United States service members who died in the tragic attack:

Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rosario Pichardo was from Lawrence, Massachusetts, and served as a U.S. Marine.

On Saturday, Kendrys Vasquez, the mayor of Lawrence, shared a message on Twitter honoring Rosario Pichardo. He expressed deep sorrow for the loss of the service members in the Kabul bombing, especially noting that one of them was from their city.

Dylan R. Merola, 20

Merola, hailing from Rancho Cucamonga, California, completed his education at Los Osos High School and aimed to pursue engineering in college, as reported by CBSLA. He had been in Afghanistan for a little over a week before the attack claimed his life.

In a televised interview, his mother, Cheryl Merola, described him as “one of the best kids ever … kind, loving … he would give anything for anybody.”

A GoFundMe campaign was created in honor of the Marine, and it has already gathered over $24,000 in donations.

Nicole L. Gee, 23

Gee, originally from Sacramento, California, served as a sergeant in the Marines. After her passing, numerous tributes were posted on her Facebook page.

“This young lady right here was one of the most exemplary Marines I’ve ever known!” one message expressed. “She was among those who tragically lost their lives in Afghanistan a few days ago. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside her from our office in Camp Lejeune for the past few years! She gave me a warm hug the last time I saw her.”

Another post from a fellow Marine referred to Gee as her “very best friend” and “sister forever” and recalled her love for her service until the very end.

“My closest friend. Just 23. Gone,” the post ended. “I find solace in knowing she departed this world while pursuing her passion. She epitomized the spirit of a Marine. She had a heart for others. Her love was intense. In this bleak world, she shone bright. She was my confidante.”

Darin T. Hoover, 31

The father of the U.S. Marines staff sergeant, Darin Hoover, confirmed his son’s passing in an interview with NBC affiliate KSL of Salt Lake City.

“He was dedicated to serving his country, helping those in need, those who couldn’t help themselves — it’s what he always wanted to do,” his father shared with KSL-TV.

At the time of his death, Hoover had served in the Marines for 11 years and was on his third deployment to Afghanistan. Being the eldest among his siblings and the first grandchild on both sides of the family, Hoover was often seen as a natural leader by his siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews, according to his father.

U.S. Rep. Blake Moore also expressed his condolences on Facebook, honoring Hoover’s sacrifice and legacy.

“He spent his final moments serving our state and nation, and we will forever remember his unwavering dedication,” Moore stated.

Hunter Lopez, 22

The Riverside Sheriff’s Association confirmed that Lopez was among the 13 service members who lost their lives. His mother, Alicia Lopez, serves as a deputy sheriff and RSA board secretary in Riverside, while his father, Herman Lopez, holds the position of Riverside sheriff captain.

Upon his return from deployment, Lopez had aspirations of joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

“To Hunter, being a Marine was more than just a job; it was a calling, much like his parents who serve our community,” stated the RSA. “He cherished his family, and as we mourn Hunter and his fellow Marines who were taken from us too soon, there are no words sufficient to convey the depth of our loss.”

Sheriff Chad Bianco also paid tribute to the young Marine in a heartfelt Facebook post about Lopez’s passing.

“I am deeply saddened and heartbroken for the Lopez family as they mourn the loss of their American Hero,” Bianco expressed. “Our entire department is grieving this tragic loss. The Lopez family epitomizes the spirit of Service Above Self.”

Daegan W. Page, 23

Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska issued a statement confirming the death of the 23-year-old native of Omaha in the attack.

“No words can convey the devastation, frustration, and sorrow felt by his family right now,” Bacon stated. “My prayers go out for his family and friends, seeking healing and comfort during this challenging period. Corporal Page is a true American hero who displayed unwavering dedication. He served his country with honor, and his service will always be remembered.”

Page graduated from Millard South High School in Omaha. The school remembered him as a “great patriot” in a Facebook tribute. In a statement provided by the school, his family shared that he joined the Marines because he “loved the brotherhood.”

“Daegan’s girlfriend Jessica, his mom, dad, step-mom, step-dad, 4 siblings, and grandparents are all mourning the loss of a remarkable son, grandson, and brother,” his family conveyed.

“Daegan will forever be remembered for his resilient exterior and compassionate heart,” they continued. “Though our hearts are shattered, we are grateful for the friends and family who are supporting us during this time.”

David L. Espinoza, 20

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted that he has ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the service members who lost their lives in the Kabul airport attacks, specifically mentioning Espinoza by name.

NBC affiliate KGNS of Laredo confirmed that Espinoza was born in Laredo, Texas, but grew up in Rio Bravo. Both cities paid tribute to the fallen Marine in separate Facebook posts.

The city of Laredo expressed gratitude to Espinoza for his service in their post, stating, “Your acts of courage and bravery will always be remembered in our community.”

Mayor Gilbert Aguilar Jr. of Rio Bravo shared a heartfelt message on Facebook mourning Espinoza’s passing, saying, “the impact he made will endure forever.”

Jared M. Schmitz, 20

According to NBC affiliate KSHB from Kansas City, Missouri, 20-year-old Schmitz was killed in Thursday’s suicide bombing. Mark Schmitz, his father, revealed to St. Louis radio station KMOX that Marine representatives came to his house at 2:40 a.m. on Friday to confirm his son’s passing.

“His life had so much more meaning,” Schmitz said of his son. “I’m deeply devastated that I won’t witness the remarkable man he was quickly becoming.”

As per his father, Schmitz was redeployed to Afghanistan to assist with evacuation efforts.

State Rep. Nick Schroer and Sen. Josh Hawley both honored the Marine on social media to recognize his service and legacy.

Rylee J. McCollum, 20

On Twitter, Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon expressed being “devastated” by the loss of McCollum. He further conveyed gratitude from Wyoming and the nation for the young Marine’s service.

I’m devastated to learn Wyoming lost one of our own in yesterday’s terrorist attack in Kabul. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Rylee McCollum of Bondurant. Jennie and I, along with all of Wyoming and the entire country thank Rylee for his service.

— Governor Mark Gordon (@GovernorGordon) August 27, 2021

Jillian Balow, the state’s superintendent, issued a statement regarding the passing of Rylee, a native of Jackson, Wyoming. The statement expressed plans to commemorate Rylee’s ultimate sacrifice in various ways in the months and years ahead. Balow extended her virtual embrace to Rylee’s loved ones and offered prayers for their comfort during this challenging time.

Kareem M. Nikoui, 20

Nikoui graduated from Norco High School in Norco, California, in 2019. He is survived by his mother, father, and siblings. His hometown honored the fallen Marine with a heartfelt Facebook post confirming his passing.

The post announced that his name would be added to the “Lest We Forget Wall” at the George A. Ingalls Veterans Memorial Plaza. This wall commemorates Norco natives who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country.

Maxton W. Soviak, 22

The 22-year-old from Ohio served as a corpsman in the Navy Fleet Marine Force Hospital. His mother confirmed his passing to the NBC affiliate WKYC from Cleveland, requesting privacy for their family during this difficult time.

Sen. Rob Portman referred to Soviak, a native of Berlin Heights, as a “hero” in his statement about his death.

Rep. Marcy Kaptur also issued a statement following the attack, honoring Soviak’s legacy. She expressed, “We can never fully repay the debt we owe him, but we will always be grateful for his readiness to serve when America needed him most.”

Ryan C. Knauss, 23

Knauss’ family confirmed to NBC affiliate WBIR of Knoxville, Tennessee, that he had passed away in Afghanistan. The soldier enlisted shortly after completing his studies at Gibbs High School.

His stepmother revealed that the family received the news of Knauss’ death around 7:30 a.m. on Friday. She also shared some of his favorite pastimes with the station, including his passion for laughter, constructing things, and assisting his wife, Alena, with her gardening.

Humberto A. Sanchez, 22

The Marine corporal hailed from Logansport, Indiana.

Logansport High School principal, Matt Jones, took to Twitter, expressing his thoughts: “It’s a difficult day, Berry Nation. I’ve been reflecting on Humberto Sanchez, a Logansport Berry and Marine from 2017, and his family. Thank you for your service to our country and your sacrifice.”

Logansport Community School Corporation tweeted, mourning the loss of US Marine Humberto Sanchez, a graduate of LHS. They emphasized their eternal gratitude to the servicemen and women who risk everything to protect others, pledging to always remember the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. They urged the community to support each other during this time.

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