AURORA, Colo. -- A Colorado soldier who was killed in a Black Hawk helicopter crash in upstate New York earlier this week is being remembered as a hero by his family.

Specialist Luke Tripp was one of 11 soldiers killed onboard the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter when in crashed in the rugged mountains in northern New York.

Tripp's family, who are understandably very distraught, talked to 7NEWS because they wanted to share with viewers why they were so proud of him.

According to Tripp's father, Taylor Tripp, Luke may have died a hero.

Taylor Tripp said his son overcame a very painful childhood to become a dedicated soldier, a loving husband and soon-to-be father.

At age 23, Luke had known his share of pain, his father said. He was only 13 when his mother died in a car crash. Two years ago his oldest sister died from pregnancy complications.

According to his father, Luke had dropped out of high school and was aimless but it was the army that gave Luke new hope with the Black Hawk helicopter.

"Even when he came to visit me, he'd bring his manuals on the Black Hawk and study his manuals, and he knew it from top to bottom," Taylor Tripp said.

Only four years into his army career Luke had become a crew chief, door gunner, trained ground rescuer and certified flight instructor.

He had also recently found the woman of his dreams -- his wife Christine.

"He was married in October, his wife is expecting a baby girl in July," Taylor Tripp said.

And her family, as well as his surviving sister, brother, and father, will make sure that the young girl is raised knowing that her father was a hero.

"Luke loved his country, he loved the army, and he wanted to do what needed to be done to keep us free," his father said. "When they found him he was laying on top of one of the two survivors, shielding the survivor."

A memorial service is being planned for the end of the week in Fort Drum, New York for all 11 victims.

Luke will then be buried in Colorado -- close to at home at Fort Logan.