BELLEVILLE, Mich. – The pain can be heard in Bill Hasler's voice. He can't believe his brother Brad is gone.
Brad Hasler was enjoying the happiest times of his life before he was killed in a plane crash Monday in Afghanistan. He had just married his long-time sweetheart Robin two weeks ago. Brad left behind a daughter and an unborn child.
"If I could trade places with him so that he could be with his family, I would in a heartbeat," said brother Bill Hasler. "This is his daughter Sloan who is 2. And who we don't see in (this picture) is the baby that's on the way who we expect to see in October."
The pain runs deep for four other Michigan families who lost loved ones in the same plane crash. The civilian cargo aircraft crashed in Afghanistan shortly after leaving Bagram Airfield.
Seven crew members died including Michael Sheets, of Ypsilanti. Sheets was engaged to be married this year. His family released the following statement:
Read: Ypsilanti man killed in Afghanistan plane crash
"While there were inherent risks involved in his position, Michael assumed these risks to provide for his family. Michael was a loving and devoted son and brother."
The families are brought together by this tragedy. They met Tuesday with National Airlines officials to gain more insight on what happened in the air Monday afternoon.
"Unfortunately, at this time we don't know anything more in terms of the cause of the accident. We're going to find out shortly from the airline what they know," said Bill Hasler.
Read more: Michigan natives among 7 killed in Afghanistan plane crash