An American Fork native was killed in Iraq on Tuesday when his helicopter was ambushed while landing.

Sgt. Nathan Barnes, 23, was 11 months into a tour in Iraq with the Army. Jay Barnes, his brother, said Nathan was on an air assault mission that started taking fire during landing. The soldiers inside the helicopter started pouring out when the gunshots began, but Nathan suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the neck before making it out the door, his brother said.

The loss was devastating for the family, Jay said, but they are proud of Nathan's service.

"He loved what he was doing. He loved serving the Iraqi people," Jay said. "We're sad, very sad. But at the same time we know he died doing what he wanted to do."

Jay said Nathan planned to use his GI Bill money to study to become a physician's assistant. He hoped to use this training to return to Iraq to provide health care for people there.

"He had lots of big plans for himself and his life," Jay said.

In lieu of flowers, Nathan's family asks that people donate money to a fund set up for him through Zions Bank. The proceeds will go to several of Nathan's favorite charities, including one that funds medical care for injured soldiers and another that provides measles vaccinations to underprivileged children.

Jeremy Duda can be reached at 344-2561 or jduda@heraldextra.com.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page A1.