According to military officials, Pfc. Daniel J. Rivera, 22, of Rochester died Sunday morning in Mosul, Iraq, from injuries he suffered in a motor-vehicle accident. Rivera’s relatives initially thought he died in Afghanistan.

Rivera, a 2005 graduate of Victor High School, joined the Army in October 2008 and had been stationed out of Fort Hood, Texas, since December.

Family members said Rivera was on his first combat tour of duty when he was killed.

In his short Army career, Rivera had received numerous awards including the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, said Fort Hood spokeswoman Nancy Bourget.

U.S. Army Capt. Linda North, spokeswoman for Rivera’s combat division in Iraq, said Rivera’s unit will hold a memorial service on Friday.

Rivera last visited his family in Rochester for his mother’s birthday in August and had planned to return to Rochester next month, in time for the holidays, said his aunt Maria Rivera.

Several soldiers in his unit, remembered Rivera at the event.

“Pfc. Rivera was not only a great soldier, but a great friend,” said Spc. John Preece.

Although he enjoyed serving in the Army, Rivera loved his family more than anything, Preece said.

“He was a great person, was loved by all his peers, and will never be forgotten,” Preece said.

Pfc. Korey Brown said he could — and often would — talk to Rivera about anything.

“He was always motivated and willing to go the extra mile to better himself not only as a soldier, but as a person,” Brown said. “Even through the hard times he stayed positive. He was a good soldier and a very dear friend of mine. I will never forget the impact he made on my life.”

Rivera last visited his family in Rochester for his mother’s birthday in August and had planned to return to Rochester next month, in time for the holidays, said his aunt Maria Rivera.

Relatives described Rivera as a thoughtful, caring and brave young man who deeply cared for his family.

==Another news story==

WHEC -- Governor David A. Paterson has directed that the flags at New York State government buildings be flown at half-staff on Thursday in honor of a Rochester native who was killed in Iraq.  

Army Private First Class Daniel J. Rivera was killed in a motor vehicle accident in Mosul on October 18. He was a member of the 3rd battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division which is stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.

"On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend my condolences and sympathy to the family, friends and fellow soldiers of PFC Rivera," Governor Paterson said. "We mourn his death but will celebrate his service to our nation."

Governor Paterson has directed the flags on all State buildings to be lowered to half-staff in tribute to the State's service members who are killed in action or die in a combat theater.