Eight Killed in B-52 Crash at Edwards Air Force Base
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, CA – On Wednesday, eight individuals died following the crash of a B-52 Stratofortress shortly after takeoff.
The deceased include three active-duty Air Force pilots, two weapon systems officers, two flight test engineers, and one retired officer. Their identities are as follows:
- 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, from Rosamond, California.
- Christopher Rischar, 41, from Lancaster, California.
Col. Thomas Tauer stated, “Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with their families, loved ones, and fellow Airmen affected by this tragedy.”
Emergency response teams were dispatched to the scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, according to officials.
Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.