Reports: Iraq bomb kills soldier from YC

Military officials could not confirm Wednesday if a Yuba City man was killed in Iraq this week, despite television news reports of the young man's death in a roadside explosion.

Attempts by the Appeal-Democrat to confirm the man's death by with military officials this week were unsuccessful.

The body of the victim, a 22-year old man, is on its way back to California, said Jason Ketchum, a friend of the alleged victim.

Ketchum said the man died Monday during a night patrol when the vehicle he was traveling in rolled over an improvised explosive device.

“He was my best friend,” Ketchum said.

The victim lived for several years with Ketchum in Yuba City before joining the Army, Ketchum said.

He said the dead solider's wife and 1-year-old son are traveling with the man's body.

No final funeral arrangements have been made, said Ketchum.