ALTAVISTA (WSLS 10) - An Altavista family is grieving after a loved one was killed Thursday in a military plane crash at an airbase in Afghanistan.
The crash happened soon after take-off. According to a spokesperson for the U.S. Army Coalition, 13 people were killed; including one airman, Kevin Mason, from southwest Virginia.
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"I want to act like it hasn't happened, but it has," Phyllis Miller choked out with tears.
Phyllis Miller is hoping her brother, Kevin Mason who served in the U.S. Air force, will walk up the drive and return home.
"We're still in disbelief; this is all happening so fast," said Miller. "I mean, until they told me they were bringing home the body…I finally had to accept that he really is gone."
When Mason's plane crashed, Miller's father called to not only wish her a happy birthday, but unload the heart-wrenching news.
"I was just trying to believe he didn't get on the flight," Miller commented.
Mason switched flights to fly home early in order to watch his middle son play his last football game, but never made it home.
"He knew the risk and we never though it would happen, because this was like his third or fourth trip over there and this was going to be his last trip...his very last time and he didn't make it back," said Miller.
Not only is family grieving, but coaches and staff at Altavista High School who said Mason helped bring home three district championships.
"He was involved in three sports at our school which was cross country, basketball and track," said Mason's former assistant coach Dean Hubbard. "He was just very active. Every time Kevin came home he always made sure he came to a game here."
"Kevin was a special person," said Ty Gafford, who's currently the Altavista Principle, but former rival team player. "He was warm-hearted. Whenever he saw me, he would come up and give me a hug and ask how things were going. It's no surprise he went to serve his country, because he always thought of other people."
A father, brother and friend will be missed. Miller said, her brother always aspired to serve our country. She says grief is the price we pay to love.
"I sure am going to miss him," added Miller. "It seems like God only takes the good ones."
Family is picking up Mason's body in Delaware. They plan to hold a funeral when they return. They have not yet set a date.