A 2001 Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets graduate was killed Monday in Afghanistan, the fourth member of his cadet class killed since their graduation.

Marine Capt. David S. Mitchell, 30, had been serving for Operation Enduring Freedom in the Helmand province. He was one of four Marines killed Monday, according to a statement from the U.S. Defense Department.

In all, 14 Americans were killed Monday in multiple helicopter crashes -- making it the deadliest day for U.S. casualties in the war-torn country in four years.

The Loveland, Ohio, native had been based in Camp Pendleton, Calif., in Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, the statement said.

His regiment at Tech held a moment of silence Tuesday morning in his honor, and the Marine Raiders placed a wreath at the school's War Memorial later in the day, Col. Rock Roszak, the corps' alumni director, said in an e-mail Tuesday night.

"We are profoundly saddened by the loss," Roszak said in the e-mail to students, faculty, alumni and community members.

Mitchell began his time at Tech in Echo Company, rising to become the executive officer to Golf Company during his senior year.

He was a member of the German Club and was the male member-at-large to the 2001 Ring Design Committee, Roszak said.

He said a pylon dedication ceremony is planned for April 9 at the War Memorial on campus.

-- The Roanoke Times