TIGERTON, WI (WTAQ) - The U.S. ambassador to Libya who was killed in an attack on a U.S. consulate has relatives in Wisconsin.

Don Slicer of Tigerton said his sister married into Christopher Stevens’ family – and Stevens is his nephew. Slicer’s sister married Stevens’ father, an environmental attorney, in California about four years ago.

Slicer said the 52-year-old Stevens had brains and charisma, and the diplomatic corps lost a true up and comer. He said Stevens was killed not for what he did, but because of who he was – an American ambassador.

He said he had no doubt that the attack was timed to the anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks. In Slicer’s words, “There’s no question in anybody’s mind why Chris got it yesterday.”

Slicer said he feared for his nephew when he first learned he’d be going to Libya. But he said his sister and Stevens’ father were proud to see his appointment in Washington.

Slicer said he learned of the embassy attack around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, when his twin brother called him from Stevens Point.

Three other people were killed besides Stevens, and the fiery attack virtually destroyed the American consulate in Benghazi Libya.