A Mercer County soldier died Sunday in Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.

U.S. Army Capt. Joshua E. Steele, 26, North Henderson, was one of three soldiers killed in Panjway, Afghanistan, from the explosion. He was in the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, based in Fort Riley, Kan.

One of his former teachers said that as a high school student, Capt. Steele was interested in the military and also a straight-A pupil.

Tony Kozelichki, his English teacher at the former Alexis High School, said it was no surprise he enlisted.

As a student, Mr. Kozelichki said, Capt. Steele read books about the Army. He talked to a recruiter. And he transferred out of Alexis High School before graduating, leaving for a military academy in Missouri.

"He had an interest in the military going way back," said Mr. Kozelichki. "He was an outstanding student."

He was involved in extracurricular activities, too. Capt. Steele was on the speech team and played football.

Mr. Kozelichki said he was equally well-liked by teachers and students.

On Tuesday, word was just beginning to spread through the area of his death.

Capt. Steele was the son of R. Philip and Paula Steele of North Henderson. They could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

"He was a pleasant person, said Joy Morland, a friend of the family. “He was a good friend to his friends. He was very good to all of them."

Jeff Whitsitt, superintendent of United School District, said Capt. Steele is the first student from the former Alexis High School to die in the war.

"It's a sad thing," he said.

Also killed in the explosion were: Sgt. 1st Class Christopher D. Henderson, 35, of Hillsboro, Ore.; and Sgt. 1st Class John M. Hennen, 26, of Vinton, La.

Funeral arrangements for Capt. Steele are still pending.

"In a little town like this, you never think it's going to happen to you," said Mr. Kozelichki. "He was doing something that he wanted to do and that was to serve our country."