Eight Dead in B-52 Crash at Edwards Air Force Base
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, CA — Eight individuals were killed when a B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff on Wednesday.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:41 p.m. Local authorities confirmed the victims include active duty and retired personnel associated with the U.S. Air Force and Boeing. The deceased are:
- Col. Gregory Watson, 53, from Shreveport, Louisiana
- Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, 40, stationed at Edwards Air Force Base
- Retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton, 50, from Tehachapi, California
- Maj. Alexander Davis, 34, from Lancaster, California
- Maj. Robert Dee, 40, stationed at Edwards Air Force Base
- Maj. Brad Hovey, 35, stationed at Edwards Air Force Base
- Jeromy Smith, 32, a flight test engineer from Rosamond, California
- Christopher Rischar, 41, a flight test engineer from Lancaster, California
“Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with their families, loved ones, and fellow Airmen affected by this tragedy,” said Col. Thomas Tauer.
Emergency response teams, including fire and medical personnel, were dispatched to the scene. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.