Family photo

Joshua Harris with his mom and dad.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- The Pentagon says a Little Creek-based U.S. Navy SEAL has died while fighting in Afghanistan.

Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Joshua Thomas Harris, a special warfare operator from Lexington, N.C.,  drowned on Saturday after being swept away while crossing a river during combat operations.

Harris' mother, Evelyn Harris, told the News and Observer of Raleigh that her 36-year-old son was an all-conference football player at Lexington High School and graduated from Davidson College with a studio art degree.

Harris joined the Navy in August 2000 and joined SEAL Team Ten based at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek.

He had also served multiple tours in Iraq with his team and was awarded the Bronze Star.

In statements released via e-mail, his commanding officers praised Harris.

“Petty Officer Harris was an exemplary SEAL. He served his country valorously during multiple combat tours to Afghanistan and Iraq. He was a brave warrior, SEAL role model, mature and reliable teammate and an absolute great American. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Petty Officer Harris’ family. His loss is deeply felt by the entire Naval Special Warfare community,” said Capt. Scott Moore, commanding officer of NSWDG.

Family photo

Joshua Harris with his twin sister Kiki.

"He will always be remembered as a warrior, a leader and a patriot. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends during this extremely difficult time,” said Rear Admiral Garry Bonelli, commanding officer of Naval Special Warfare Command.

SO1 Harris is survived by his family, Dr. Sam and Evelyn Harris of Lexington, North Carolina; his twin sister, Kiki Harris, his brother, S. Ranchor Harris, III and his wife Serina and Nephews Dylan and Chase, and three aunts and uncles Thomas Veach and Sveta Long; Penny and Randy Overby; Tom and Maria Harris.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)