Well known and respected Tyler Countian and Army veteran, Brian Reed, of Friendly, was killed on Monday evening in a motorcycle accident in Pleasants County.

Having recently returned home from Afghanistan, Reed, 41, served one tour of duty in Iraq and three in Afghanistan.

Locally, Reed served as the Commander for American Legion Post 67 and was active in the community.

According to the official report, Reed was travelling northbound on W.Va. Route 2 just north of St. Marys when the 2001 Victory motorcycle he was driving went off the right side of the roadway, striking the guardrail. The motorcyle slid approximately 100 feet before coming to rest under the guardrail.

Reed was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel.

A passenger on the motorcycle, Nila Heintzman, received injuries and was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Parkersburg by EMS.

The accident remains under investigation.

Reed was born Aug. 15, 1968, the son of Dennis Reed and Conley and Patsy Wyatt.

He was a general contractor by trade, a retired member of the US Army 19th SFG(A), he was a wounded warrior, Commander of the 4th District WV American Legion, past West Virginia American Legion Vice Commander of the 4th District, Commander of the American Legion Post #67 of Sistersville, finance officer of the American Legion Riders Post #67 and Sons of the American Legion Post #67, Americanism Chairman for American Legion Post #67, Voiture 170th 4018 member, member of the VFW #6327, member of the Paden City Eagles Aerie #2281 and a member of the American Legion/VFW Honor Guard of Tyler and Wetzel Counties, Veteran of Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, he was employed by American International Security Force and he was also a member of the Friendly United Methodist Church.