In Memory of North Ogden Mayor Brent Taylor

NORTH OGDEN CITY, Utah – News of the death of North Ogden City Mayor Brent Taylor Saturday left Utahns stunned.

Mayor Taylor deployed in January and was planning on returning home this coming January after a 12-month deployment. Officials said Major Taylor was killed in an apparent insider attack in Afghanistan Saturday morning.

“Major Brent Taylor was killed in Afghanistan this morning. A news conference will be held tomorrow [Sunday] morning. Please keep Jennie and his children in your prayers,” North Ogden City Council member Phil Swanson posted on Facebook.

People began honoring Major Taylor’s life with tributes on social media as soon the the news was released.

Sen. Orrin Hatch wrote, “Brent was a hero, a patriot, a wonderful father, and a dear friend. News of his death in Afghanistan is devastating. My prayers and love are with Jennie and his 7 young children. His service will always be remembered.”

Hatch on the death of North Ogden Mayor Brent Taylor:

“Brent was a hero, a patriot, a wonderful father, and a dear friend. News of his death in Afghanistan is devastating. My prayers and love are with Jennie and his 7 young children. His service will always be remembered.” pic.twitter.com/UHHbhTciYo

— Senator Hatch Office (@senorrinhatch) November 3, 2018

Mitt Romney wrote, “Heartbroken with the tragic news of Major Brent Taylor’s death by gunfire in Afghanistan; a father of 7 small children, a city mayor, and a proud member of the Army National Guard. Another unmeasurable price is paid for freedom.”

Heartbroken with the tragic news of Major Brent Taylor’s death by gunfire in Afghanistan; a father of 7 small children, a city mayor, and a proud member of the Army National Guard. Another unmeasurable price is paid for freedom. https://t.co/V7scNBDJ3X

— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) November 3, 2018

Rep. Mia Love wrote, “I am deeply shocked and saddened by this news about Brent Taylor-a man who served his city, state and country. My sincere prayers and condolences to his family, friends and all the residents of North Ogden tonight.”

I am deeply shocked and saddened by this news about Brent Taylor-a man who served his city, state and country. My sincere prayers and condolences to his family, friends and all the residents of North Ogden tonight. https://t.co/mEsAHvFzDk

— Rep. Mia Love (@RepMiaLove) November 3, 2018

Michael Mower wrote, “Major Brent Taylor’s last message to me was: “Going great over here. Can’t wait to be home in a few months.” I can’t believe we have lost this incredible husband, father, mayor, patriot, and friend.”

Major Brent Taylor’s last message to me was: “Going great over here. Can’t wait to be home in a few months.” I can’t believe we have lost this incredible husband, father, mayor, patriot, and friend. #utpol #hero pic.twitter.com/BpVEeVfA9A

— Michael Mower (@MikeLMower) November 3, 2018

Rep. John Curtis wrote, “My heart is heavy today hearing about my close friend Major Brent Taylor’s passing. More than a colleague, he was a confidant while we served together on the ULCT board. Sue and I send our prayers to Jennie and their children.”

My heart is heavy today hearing about my close friend Major Brent Taylor’s passing. More than a colleague, he was a confidant while we served together on the ULCT board. Sue and I send our prayers to Jennie and their children.

— Rep. John Curtis (@RepJohnCurtis) November 3, 2018

Gov. Gary Herbert posted this.

Heartbroken that we lost one of our own today. @UTNationalGuard pic.twitter.com/SHFf5qmACU

— Gov. Gary Herbert (@GovHerbert) November 4, 2018

Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox wrote this.

This is Mayor Taylor’s last FB post. Here’s how to honor him:

“As the USA gets ready to vote, I hope everyone back home exercises their right to vote. We have far more as Americans that unites us than divides us. United we stand, divided we fall. God Bless America.🇺🇲️👊🏻” pic.twitter.com/aJRP9H320c

— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) November 3, 2018