Published: January 17, 2006 11:04 am      

‘I just went numb’

Family coping with death of son in Iraq

mary.kaye@register-news.com

WOODLAWN — John Hunsell was in his office and paused briefly when he saw a vehicle pull into his driveway.

As soon as he saw Marines get out of the vehicle, his life — and the life of his family — stopped.

“I knew immediately my son had died,” Hunsell said, fighting back tears. “It was snowing, and it was as if two ghosts were walking up to the door.

“Life will never be the same,” Hunsell said.

Now the family is trying to cope with the death of Marine Lance Cpl. Jonathan Kyle Price, 19, who was killed Friday afternoon while protecting Marine engineers near Ramadi, Iraq.

Price is the first Jefferson County soldier killed in the Iraq War.

“I just went numb,” Hunsell said. “I never, ever dreamed that this would happen to my son. It’s so tough.”

But the family is taking comfort that Price died doing what he thought was right — protecting freedom.

“My son died saving his men, and he truly believed he was doing what was right both for his country and God,” Hunsell said. “He died fighting protecting others. He gave his life for freedom.”

The thought of Price not coming home never crossed his mind, his stepfather said. Price was to finish his tour of duty next month, and as soon as he made it back to the base at North Carolina, he was to marry his fiancee, Brea Tate, daughter of Robbie and Jane Tate.

Price and his fiancee were also awaiting the birth of a daughter, Madison, who is due in March.

“She also felt strongly about what he was doing in preserving the rights of country, family and God,” Hunsell said of Price’s fiancee. “We knew God would sort it all out later.”

Price’s family has a strong military background, Hunsell said, and becoming part of the military was something Price planned on doing early on in his life. He was a member of the Young Marines unit, and as soon as he was old enough, he enlisted in the Marines.

Price’s cousin, Pecos Long, is currently serving in special forces.

Family ties are also strong, Hunsell said, which is proving to be more important now than ever in the wake of the tragedy.

Price has two sisters, ages 24 and 14, and a 12-year-old brother. Another brother, Keith, is deceased.

The support they’ve received from their church, community, friends, relatives and even strangers is helping the family.

“I just can’t believe the outpouring of support,” Hunsell said. “And it isn’t just from Woodlawn. The mayor of Mt. Vernon has become involved. (State Rep.) John O. Jones has been supportive. Sheriff Roger Mulch came out to our home with his wife. Law enforcement have promised a full hero’s welcome.

“This all has numbed us up pretty good; it’s pretty tough. But the family has pulled together, and with family and friends, we are coping the best we can,” Hunsell said.

But with all the sadness that has filled the family’s hearts, Hunsell said that, above all, people need to know Price would not want people to feel sorry for him.

“I do not want people to feel bad about my son,” Hunsell said. “I know that sounds strange. But I want everyone to be proud of him — very proud of him. I want everyone to know about my son and how he served his country. He died doing what he set out to do; he died for freedom.”