Winchester native killed in Libya attacks

WINCHESTER (WHDH) -- Winchester native, Glen Doherty, was one of the four killed in Tuesday's attack in Libya.

Doherty served as a Navy SEAL for nine years. After separating from the Navy in 2005, he spent four years as a security and intelligence specialist for U.S. government agencies in high threat regions including Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan and Afghanistan. While on active duty, Doherty finished several training programs including combat medic school and the SEAL sniper course. He was 42 years old.

US Ambassador Chris Stevens and two other Americans were also killed. The attacks are believed to have been spurred by anger over an anti-Muslim video posted on YouTube.

According to the Associated Press, the Obama administration is investigating whether the assault on the U.S. Consulate in Libya was a planned terrorist strike to mark the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks or a spontaneous mob enraged over an anti-Islam YouTube video.

Doherty’s mother found out about her son’s death yesterday morning. Friends and family members arrived Thursday morning to pay their respects to Doherty’s mother who lives in Woburn.

The family held a press conference Thursday morning.

“Our family would like to thank everyone for their love and support. Glen lived his life to the fullest. He was my brother, but if you ask his friends, he was their brother as well. We ask for privacy during this time as we grieve for our friend, my brother, our brother, our son and our American hero," said Doherty's sister.

Doherty's high school English teacher said he was one of her most memorable students.

"He was full with life. And he had this happy-go-lucky attitude toward everything. My classroom was filled with his optimism every day," said Judy Hession, Winchester High School English teacher.

Gov. Deval Patrick learned of the former SEAL’s death this morning and said, “My thoughts and concerns go out to his family, those who are here and elsewhere, and I hope they know if there is anything we can do to comfort them and to help through these very difficult coming days we are here for them.”

A United States State Department official stopped by Doherty's mother's house in Woburn to brief the family.

Senator John Kerry also called the Doherty home to offer his condolences.

Doherty wrote the above message in his high school year book.

 Above is Doherty's high school yearbook photo.