Grieving family members of SAS Signaller Sean McCarthy, killed in Afghanistan last week, say they are struggling to come to terms with their sudden loss.
New Zealand-born McCarthy, 25, a member of the Special Air Service Regiment since January 2007, died on patrol in southern Afghanistan on July 8 when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near his vehicle.
The soldier's parents Dave and Mary, and sisters Leigh and Clare, today released a statement, ahead of the return to Australia tomorrow of his remains.
"We are struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of our beloved son and brother, Sean Patrick McCarthy, who was killed last week while on duty in Afghanistan," the family said.
"We would like to thank our family, friends, Sean's army mates, his school friends and members of the public for their support and caring at this difficult time.
"That support has reinforced to us just what Sean meant to so many people and the impact he had in his short time with us."
"We know that he will be sorely missed by his fellow soldiers just as we, his family, will miss him dearly.
"He will always live on in our hearts."
Signaller McCarthy was lucky to find a career he loved, they said.
His remains will arrive at RAAF Base Amberley, south west of Brisbane, tomorrow.
Signaller McCarthy was the sixth Australian soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2002 - three to roadside bombs or mines - and the second this year.
Australia has about 1050 troops in Afghanistan.
