B-52 Crash in California Claims Eight Lives
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, CA—A B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals onboard.
The casualties include two active-duty Air Force officers, a retired officer, and five pilots and engineers affiliated with Boeing and the 419th Flight Test Squadron. They are:
- Col. Gregory Watson, 53, from Shreveport, Louisiana.
- Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, 40, assigned to the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center.
- Retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton, 50, from Tehachapi, California.
- Maj. Alexander Davis, 34, from Lancaster, California.
- Maj. Robert Dee, 40, from Edwards Air Force Base.
- Maj. Brad Hovey, 35, from Edwards Air Force Base.
- Jeromy Smith, 32, from Rosamond, California.
- Christopher Rischar, 41, from Lancaster, California.
According to Col. Thomas Tauer, the Air Force expressed condolences, stating, “Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with their families, loved ones and fellow Airmen.”
The cause of the crash is under investigation. Emergency response teams were dispatched to the scene, but no injuries have been reported among personnel on the ground. The crash has resulted in the closure of nearby lanes as authorities continue their investigation. Further updates are anticipated as the investigation progresses.