Britney left devastated over death of ex-partner

Britney Spears is reportedly devastated after learning that an ex-boyfriend has been shot at and killed overseas.

The Radar singer began a relationship with John Sundahl in 2007 when they met at an Alcoholic Anonymous group eight years ago.

John, whose job was to fly dignitaries in and out of Afghanistan, was piloting a helicopter over Kabul when a missile hit the vehicle and the 44-year-old tragically died.

Britney has publicly credited John with helping her to fight her demons and he once acknowledged the importance of overcoming her problems, telling the press: "I told her 'If you fall off the wagon I don't think you'll live. If you don't want to get sober for yourself, do it for your kids.'"

Although 33-year-old Britney has yet to comment on the tragic incident, sources said: " She is devastated. Britney thought he was a lovely man."

Our thoughts are with all those affected by John's untimely passing.