UPDATED: Navy SEAL Killed in Hostage Rescue Is Monroeville Native

Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas D. Checque, 28, a highly decorated Navy SEAL, died of combat related injuries sustained Dec. 8 while supporting operations in Afghanistan.

WAVY-TV in Portsmouth, VA, reports that Checque, a highly-decorated combat veteran, was assigned to an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare command. The Department of Defense confirmed that Checque was from Monroeville but currently lived in Virginia Beach, Va. He was a 2002 Norwin High School graduate and wrestler at the school, located in North Huntingdon.

Checque was among the special forces team assigned to rescue an American doctor who had been abducted in Afghanistan. Hours after the mission was completed, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced that "a U.S. service member was killed in the operation."

Dr. Dilip Joseph was freed 11 hours after his captors released two other kidnapped staffers of his nonprofit agency, Morning Star Development, the organization said Sunday.

According to WTAE, Checque's former physics teacher said the petty officer was inspired to serve the country after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Congressman Tim Murphy (PA-18) commended Checque for his bravery.

“Today we grieve deeply as a community who lost a son and a grateful nation who lost a sailor,” Murphy said. “Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas Checque, in heroically performing his duties as a Navy SEAL, gave his life to save another. I ask for all to join me in praying for his family.”

Click here for more details from WAVY.com.

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