The family of an Australian soldier, killed while on patrol in Afghanistan last week, have requested the public grant them their privacy while they grieve.
Signaller McCarthy became the latest Australian casualty in Afghanistan last week after his car struck a roadside bomb.
His parents and sisters have spoken out over his death, thanking friends and the public for all the care and support that has been flooding in.
The family says the army was McCarthy's love and passion and have paid special thanks to the soldiers who were on patrol with their son when he was killed.
The body of Signaller Sean McCarthy will be repatriated tomorrow, with details of his military funeral on the Gold Coast this Friday yet to be finalised.