February 5, 2008 Navy son of UNH professor dies in Iraq Play video

(NECN) - A New Hampshire native has been killed in Iraq. 29-year-old Nathan Hardy of Durham was a Navy Seal who joined the service more than a decade ago.

Hardy's parents both work at the University of New Hampshire -- a family known across campus and loved by all.

Hardy had recently gotten married and was the father of a seven-month-old son. He was one of three Hardy sons. Nate's older brother Josh died of brain cancer as a senior in high school.

At Oyster River High School, Nate, like his brothers, was a standout athlete. A few of his teachers, not ready to speak on camera, shared some of their thoughts in an e-mail. His old soccer coach says:

"If he tackled any endeavor, you had better believe it was with every fiber of his being-Nate attacked life with vigor. He became a husband, a father and everything that we in safer walks of life look up to in awe. I'll never forget his kindness to me as a new coach and teacher at Oyster River."

His math teacher says Nate:

"Was a caring individual who supported his friends, his teachers and his community. His family was of paramount importance to him. The fact that he was willing to sacrifice himself for his country and his men speaks to his courage and his goodness. His loss is a profound one for us all."

NECN's Lauren Collins reports.