CLAYTON, NC — A New York state Marine who adopted Clayton, NC, as his hometown has died of injuries received in Afghanistan.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported yesterday that 25-year-old Sgt. Mark Bradley died while serving with the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Division based at Camp Lejeune.

Bradley, originally from upstate Cuba, NY, had joined the Marines eight years ago.

Samantha Bradley said her husband had dreamed of becoming a sniper since he was small. He was deployed in March.

His wife said Bradley was on his fifth round of overseas duty, but was on his first tour to Afghanistan. He died Thursday, 13 days after being injured by an explosive device.