Only weeks after visit home, Taunton man killed in Iraq

A Taunton soldier has died in Iraq only weeks after being honored during a stay in Massachusetts, Mayor Charles Crowley said last night.

Shane Duffy, a US Army sergeant in his early 20s, was killed after returning to a tour of duty in Iraq, Crowley confirmed. Duffy was serving a 10-month deployment.

"Shane Duffy has passed away, and we are all saddened by the loss of a young hero," said Crowley, who received word of Duffy's death yesterday. "Our prayers are with the Duffy family in this time of grief."

Less than two weeks ago, Duffy attended a softball game between Dighton-Rehoboth High School and top-ranked Taunton, where he was honored before the game for his service to the country. Prior to the game, Taunton's coach, David Lewry, talked about Duffy's achievements, and the soldier then shook hands with players while the crowd applauded.

What made the game extra special for the Duffy family was that Shane was able to see his sister, Shannon, get a hit that drove in the only run in the 1-0 victory.

"I was so happy that I did well. For this to be his first game really watching me for Taunton High, it was awesome," Shannon told the Globe after the May 23 game.

"I'm so happy he got to see me play. I just hope he comes home safe."

Crowley said he attended school with Duffy's father, Keavin, who is also a local firefighter.

Taunton's flags were at half-staff yesterday in honor of the soldier, the mayor said.

Sarah M. Gantz and Jillian Jorgensen contributed to this report.