TRENTON, Ont. — The body of Pte. Simon Longtin, who was killed in Afghanistan on Sunday, will arrive at Canadian Forces Base Trenton on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old Longtin, from Longueuil, Que., died when his light armoured vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb.

His death is the first in Afghanistan for the Royal 22nd Regiment based in Quebec, where support is low for the Canadian mission.

A statement Monday night from Longtin's family echoed the comments of his fellow Van Doos in recent days, painting a picture of a young soldier who embraced military life and his mission in Afghanistan.

"It is never easy for parents to lose one of their children," the statement said. "We are devastated by the death of our Simon, who left us in dignity while proudly serving his country with tremendous honour, amongst his brothers in arms in Afghanistan."

At a ramp ceremony at Kandahar Airfield on Monday, more than 1,000 soldiers from 37 countries paid tribute to Longtin.

Longtin's body was taken aboard a Hercules transport plane for the long flight home.