Sgt. Ernest Bucklew’s uncle has no explanation for the soldier’s death in the crash of a helicopter in Iraq.

The 33-year-old soldier based at Fort Carson near Colorado Springs was on his way home for his mother’s funeral when he was killed.

“They say there’s a reason for everything, but I just can’t find a reason for this,” Bucklew’s uncle, Jack Smith of Point Marion, Pa., said.

The family had a longtime friend and attorney, William Braslawsce, read a prepared statement to the media about Bucklew.

Bucklew, who went by Ernie, was born July 28, 1970, in Pennsylvania to Donald and Mary Ellen Bucklew. He grew up in West Virginia and Pennsylvania and after high school joined the Army. He re-enlisted in 1999 with the goal of making the Army his career.

He was sent to Iraq in March with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, where he handled ordnance.

In his last e-mail to his uncle, Bucklew wrote: “This is a letter from hell.”

He leaves his wife, Barbara, and sons Joshua, 9; and Justin, 4.

Proceeds from the SSG Ernest G. Bucklew bracelet will be donated to Legacies Alive.