SHILO, Man. -- A Manitoba-based soldier who served in Afghanistan has died.

Media reports say the body of Sgt. Jesse Tait, who was 34, was recovered from a river near Thunder Bay, Ont.

Tait was a member of 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.

A spokeswoman for Canadian Forces Base Shilo near Brandon, Man., confirmed Tait's death but declined to provide any details.

Tait joined the military in January 2002 and served in Bosnia in 2003 and in Afghanistan in 2008.

Friends say he is survived by a wife and two young sons.

"Jesse was a wonderful father, husband, son, and soldier," said a statement from his family released by the Canadian Army Tuesday.

"He was a proud Patricia and loved what he did. Our families are grieving and we ask you to respect our privacy at this time."

People from across Canada posted tributes to Tait on social media, noting his skills as a soldier and as a bagpiper.

One friend noted that Tait played bagpipes at funeral services for other soldiers.

"RIP Sgt. Jesse Tait. Our sincere sympathy to your family," wrote Janice McDonald.

"Had the pleasure of meeting Jesse in November (at) 2PPCLI in Shilo & he played Amazing Grace at my father's funeral as 2PPCLI formed an honour guard.

"Thank you for your service, so honoured to have got to know you."