A funeral was held in Bridgeport Friday for a soldier who U.S. Army officials say died in the line of duty.

Friends and family came together to say goodbye to 25-year-old U.S. Army Sgt. Jeremiah Crawley.

"Young men and women like Jeremiah are the ones who work so hard to give us a safe place in this country to live," said Rev. Charlie Stallworth.

"He was honored to serve his country, you know -- always had a very good heart," said Elsie Lopez, a family friend.

Army officials said Friday, "Sgt. Jeremiah Crawley, who was assigned to the 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command at Fort Bragg, was pronounced dead at Womack Army Medical Center at Ft. Bragg on March 9th, 2023, following training at a base rifle range. The cause of death is under investigation."

"It's a great sacrifice. It's one of the professions in this country that takes a great sacrifice," said Stallworth.

Crawley's cousin Gabriel Gonzalez says the whole family is struggling to come to terms with the sudden, tragic loss of Crawley, whom he describes as "a go-getter loved by everybody who knew him."

"Very, very hard -- it's hard for me right now," said Gonzalez.

Crawley's family says even as a child, he always dreamed of serving in the military.

Army officials say Crawley specialized in monitoring and coordinating the movement of personnel, equipment and cargo.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal met with Crawley's family Friday at Baker-Isaac Funeral Home.

"He is a hero. He served his country, and we should all be proud of him," said Blumenthal.

Jase Olavarria said it's a little easier to accept the loss knowing his lifelong friend died while serving his country.

"Always cared about others more than himself and I think that shows through his wanting to serve the country -- something he really cared about," said Olavarria.

Crawley was laid to rest at Park Cemetery in Bridgeport.