(SBT24/7News) The Department of Defense has confirmed that Sgt. Nick Patterson, 24, of Rochester, was killed with six other soldiers Sept. 10 in Baghdad, Iraq.

Patterson and his comrades were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, N.C.

The soldiers were killed, and an additional 10 wounded, when they were returning from a raid in western Baghdad. The truck in which Patterson was riding had a flat tire and the driver lost control, according to reports published in the Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer, the local newspaper covering Fort Bragg personnel.

The armored, five-ton truck veered off an overpass, falling about 30 feet, the report continued.

Funeral arrangements for Patterson are pending at Earl Love Funeral Home, Akron.

Patterson’s family — James and Virginia Patterson, of Rochester, and Scott and Jane Holmes, of Warsaw — are awaiting word of when their son’s body will be returned to the United States.

Patterson’s wife, the former Jayme Saner of Akron, and 4-year-old son, Reilley, are expected to arrive home from North Carolina shortly.

Patterson was a 2001 graduate of Rochester High School, where he was the leading scorer during his senior year on the Zebras’ basketball team. He also played second base on the baseball team.

Teachers, coaches and former classmates said earlier this week Patterson was well-liked, respected for his work ethic and sense of humor.