Nicholas Eischen Died In His Sleep on Christmas Eve

Family members are grieving the death of a Clovis Airman.

Nick Eischen's grandfather told me with two grandson's serving in the military he knew the possibility that one could be hurt. And he attended the funerals of other Buchanan High students killed in Iraq. He hoped he'd never have to face the pain he feels today.

Flags at Buchanan High are at half staff, a somber sign of the latest graduate to die while serving in Afghanistan.

Military officials told the family Eischen's death was not combat related.

Eischen's grandfather tells action news quote "He was a gentle giant. He was strong and big but wouldn't hurt a fly."

On his MySpace webpage Eischen talks about being stationed at Travis Air Force Base in northern California. He posted "I am working in the emergency room at David Grant Medical Center as a medic. I love every minute of it."

A fellow airman wrote this afternoon "We'll all miss you Nicholas. You were one of the great ones."

Eischen's brother Drew, who also goes by the name Joey, described his brother as "A sweet loving person, that anyone who came across him loved him."

Joey is serving in the army but is home on a medical leave.

Eischen is survived by his wife Leah and 2-year old son Braeden.

Eischen's body is now back in the United States. An autopsy will be conducted in Delaware. Family members are hoping that will reveal more about exactly what caused his death.

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