The Daily News

A Wahpeton man has been killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan.

U.S. Army Spc. Keenan Cooper, 19, a 2008 Wahpeton High School graduate, was traveling in a convoy with his unit, the 82nd Airborne, Monday when an improvised explosive device went off, said the Rev. Mike Adams, official family spokesperson.

Cooper's parents, Dave and Heather Cooper of Wahpeton, were informed Monday evening their son was killed.

U.S. Army Spc. Keenan Cooper was killed in Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device went off. photo submitted Advertisement

"The Army just sent somebody to their house... around 9:30, 10 (p.m.)," Adams said.

Cooper had almost finished his year-long tour, was ready to rotate home and get married in October to his fiance, April Travis.

He would have celebrated his 20th birthday next week. He was reportedly one of five soldiers killed in the incident.

His parents and fiancee will be at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware when Cooper's body is returned to the U.S.

North Dakota legislators and the governor issued statements Tuesday expressing their condolences to the Cooper family.

“Lucy and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Keenan Cooper,” said Sen. Kent Conrad in a statement. “This is such a tragic loss for his family, the Wahpeton community, and our nation. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Keenan's family, friends, and all those that loved him. ...We will forever be grateful for Keenan's service to North Dakota and the nation.”

Look for a more detailed story in a later edition of the Daily News.

Comments

Community Member wrote on Jul 16, 2010 1:40 PM:

" Keenan

A boy who had a gentle smile that made one feel comfortable
A boy who sat in a classroom and absorbed all he could
A boy who was diligent about doing work correctly and on time
A boy who was respectful to teachers and other adults too
A boy who was goal oriented and planned things out quite well
A boy who made us appreciate more deeply what we have
A boy who loved family, friends, country, and God
Keenan, a MAN who made his country, community, and family proud "




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Karla Litke wrote on Jul 14, 2010 10:34 PM:

" Thank You. "




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A Friend wrote on Jul 13, 2010 7:41 PM:

" As a Marine Family, we want to express our condolences to the Cooper Family and to Miss Travis. We wish we could have thanked Spc. Cooper personally for his service to our country. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We know God is with you, rest in His Loving Arms!! "




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local wrote on Jul 12, 2010 8:40 AM:

" This war really hits home when a brave young man is taken from us so early. I hope his family is holding up alright. "




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David Olsen wrote on Jul 10, 2010 11:15 AM:

" My deepest condolences to the family. He died a true Patriot and I'm sure he will be given a hero's welcome in Heaven. "




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SSG E.A. AGUILAR wrote on Jul 9, 2010 12:14 AM:

" This is a great photo of SPC Cooper, an infantry Soldier in the 82nd Airborne. He's portrayed with a smile in duty uniform wearing required gear used in training & combat. I've always been so proud of this Soldier. I kept pushing him to apply to West Point. He had everything it took to make it there. My vision was for him to be "General Cooper," planning & winning wars, leading the Army into the next generation. I'm so very proud to have been his recruiter. My mind refuses to accept that he's passed on. "




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myfallensoldiers wrote on Jul 8, 2010 11:31 PM:

" Condolences to the Cooper family and his friends. Thank you for your sacrifice to our country. "




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Lars Bahr wrote on Jul 7, 2010 5:04 PM:

" My condolences to the family of our Home Town hero SPC Cooper, may your hearts be strong ,you have my sympathy and respect. "




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Chase Johnson wrote on Jul 7, 2010 4:47 PM:

" I am Keenans SGT. and i was with him when he passed. Our deepest condolences to the family. but to clear up the report. 2 heroes died 4 were injured. I was among the injured. If anyone has any questions contact me via e-mail.
R.I.P. Keenan Cooper We love you and miss you so much.

SGT Johnson "




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