John and Anne Shaw of Cathey’s Valley are facing an unthinkable loss this week. Their grandson, 20-year-old soldier Pfc. Lukas C. Hopper, died Oct. 30 from injuries sustained in a vehicle rollover southeast of Karadah, Iraq. Mariposa County will lower its flags to half mast later this week to honor his sacrifice.

The Department of Defense made the announcement on Monday. The circumstances of the accident are under investigation, according to the news release. It was not combat related. He was scheduled to conclude his tour of duty on Nov. 9.

Hopper was a standout soldier. He was known as “Hop” by his fellow servicemen and it was reported by his Staff Sergeant, Omar Jackson, that Luke “volunteered for every mission, every detail, every duty.” Hopper had recently volunteered to go in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and was hoping to leave in January for that assignment.

Hopper’s company commander, Capt. Travis J. Stellfox related, "Pfc. Hopper was an outstanding paratrooper. He was a dedicated professional who set the example for all to follow. His presence will be severely missed.” Additionally, Hopper’s battalion commander, Lt. Col. Dave Blair remarked, “Today the battalion lost a treasured and dedicated trooper with whom it was a privilege to serve. Pfc. Hopper's great sense of humor, devotion to his fellow paratroopers, and his dedication to mission accomplishment set him apart from his peers. He will truly be missed.”

The Shaws are long-time Cathey’s Valley residents. The soldier’s parents, Yancy and Robin Hopper, both grew up in Mariposa County and graduated from Mariposa County High School. The family now lives in Merced. His paternal grandparents, Paul and Helen Hopper, preceded him in death.

At Tuesday’s board meeting, Supervisor Janet Bibby tearfully asked the public to remember Hopper. “It’s really heart wrenching,” she said, noting the contributions the Hopper and Shaw families have made to the community over the years. “When you see the flag flying at half-mast, please know that he was a brave young man.”

Hopper’s body arrived at Dover Air Force Base on Monday evening, the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Office said in a press release.

Hopper, a 2007 Golden Valley High School graduate, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Funeral services for the soldier are being planned for Saturday. Burial will be at the Cathey’s Valley Cemetery.