One of the firefighters killed Sunday when a wildfire swept over a team of Arizona-based Hotshots was a 2007 graduate of West Linn High School.

John J. Percin Jr., 24, a multisport high school athlete, died Sunday along with 18 other members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots near Prescott, Ariz., his family confirmed Monday.

"It's a tough day for us today," said Percin's father, John Percin Sr. of West Linn. "We don't know a lot of things yet."

The family later wrote in a statement that "John was a brave and courageous man who never hesitated to put others before himself."

"He was loved by many, and he will always be remembered. He is an inspiration to us all. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of his fallen brothers and their families"

Geoff McEvers, 24, grew up playing baseball with Percin and remembered Percin as a fun-loving guy with an unforgettable laugh.

McEvers said he learned about the Percin's death through friends.

"It's already tragic when you hear about those who died," McEvers said, "but when you find out its someone you know personally, it's tough."

Percin and his colleagues deployed foil-lined, heat-resistant bags, but the heat was too intense to survive. It was the nation's biggest loss of firefighters in a wildfire in 80 years, according to the Associated Press.

-- Michael Bamesberger, Victoria Edwards