A native of Alexandria Bay stationed at Fort Drum has been killed in Iraq, according to his family.

Pfc. Jack T. Sweet, 19, died Friday when the vehicle he was riding in hit a roadside bomb, his father Glenn O. Sweet said.

As of late Monday, neither the Department of Defense nor Fort Drum had issued a confirmation of Pfc. Sweet's death.

His father said Pfc. Sweet was a member of the 1st Brigade Combat Team's 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry, and a Humvee driver.

"He loved what he was doing," Mr. Sweet said.

Pfc. Sweet attended Alexandria Central School and earned his general equivalency diploma at Bohlen Technical Center of the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Cooperative Educational Services in Watertown last year, according to Alexandria High School Principal Ronald J. Hochmuth.

Mr. Hochmuth said he had known Pfc. Sweet since the seventh grade and that he was full of life.

"He always had a twinkle in his eye," Mr. Hochmuth said.

The principal said the school held a moment of silence for Pfc. Sweet and the flag was at half-staff Monday. He said counselors were on hand to help students deal with the death. In addition, students are collecting stories and pictures of Pfc. Sweet for a eulogy.

Pfc. Sweet's family said funeral arrangements will be made in the next few days.

One of the school counselors, Patricia S. Wagoner, had known Pfc. Sweet since he was a boy and said he had a great attitude.

"He saw the best in things," she said.

According to Mr. Sweet, his son had always wanted to join the military and planned for a career in the Army. When he was younger, Pfc. Sweet was a member of the Jefferson County Young Marines.

His father said Pfc. Sweet went to basic training last April and was stationed at Fort Drum after that. He deployed with the 1st Brigade to Kirkuk province in September.

"He was so happy to finally get a chance to do his part," Mr. Sweet said.

Pfc. Sweet took his leave before Christmas and spent the time visiting with family and friends, telling stories about his time in Iraq. Mr. Sweet said he liked hearing about what his son was doing and was proud of all of his accomplishments.

"He's my hero," Mr. Sweet said.

Times staff writer Andy Stiny contributed to this report.