ANCHORAGE, ALASKA (BNO NEWS) — A Washington-based soldier from Alaska on Wednesday died of wounds sustained in southern Afghanistan, Alaska Governor Sean Parnell said on Friday.

Sergeant Joel David Clarkson, 23, of Fairbanks, Alaska, was seriously injured when his patrol was hit by small arms fire in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province on March 12. He was transported to Germany for treatment, where he passed away on Wednesday.

“Sandy and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Sgt. Clarkson,” Governor Parnell said in a statement. “He was a brave soldier who sacrificed his life while defending our freedom. We offer our condolences and prayers for his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Karen Williams-Clarkson, Joel’s mother, wrote about what happened on her Facebook page. “Joel is critical but now stable in ICU waiting to be transported to Germany,” Karen wrote on March 14, two days after the shooting. “This is very good news. Thank you for all your prayers and support. It would be impossible to get through this with out you all.”

Karen wrote as the events progressed over the week, and said she was heading for Germany. “The army van will take us to the airport at 5:30 and we will all be on our way to see our boy,” she said on March 15.

Several hours later, Karen provided an update on her son. “Just talked with Germany: Joel is listed serious but stable condition. His blood pressure his low, but maintaining. They haven’t gotten any reflex reposes, as of yet,” she said.

On Wednesday, Karen told her friends on Facebook that her son had passed away. “Joel David Clarkson, October 8, 1986 to March 17,2010,” she wrote. “Loving brother, father, husband, son, and sodier. A life well lived. The world will not be the same without you!”

About half an hour later, Karen added: “My world just ended. I have lost my baby.”

Governor Parnell has ordered state flags to be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday in honor and memory of Sgt. Clarkson. He is survived by his wife, Cassandra; 9-month old son, Orion; and his parents, Karen and Steve Clarkson.

Memorial services will be held on March 27 in Fort Lewis, Washington and on April 5 in Arlington National Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest. Joel’s mother also wrote there will be a small service in Alaska at a later date.

A total of 118 service members have been killed in Afghanistan so far this year, most of whom were from the United States and the United Kingdom. Sgt. Clarkson was the 74th U.S. service member to have been killed in Afghanistan so far this year, according to a BNO News count.