BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Lauren Smith speaks out about her husband Jeromy Smith, one of the eight victims of the B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base.
Jeromy, a flight test engineer for the Department of Defense, worked at Edwards for 10 years with the 419th unit. According to Lauren, he had a passion for aerospace from an early age and pursued a degree in aeronautics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Arizona.
The couple celebrated their four-year wedding anniversary on June 11 and were raising two young children, ages 2 and 4 months. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Lauren and her family.
Lauren described the morning of the crash as ordinary, recalling Jeromy’s routine, including a goodbye kiss before leaving for work. She learned about the incident from a friend and quickly realized it involved her husband’s aircraft.
Jeromy’s death was confirmed when his commander and a chaplain arrived at her home at 6 p.m. that evening, hours after the crash at approximately 11:30 a.m. “I went the whole day just hoping and praying that he was okay,” she said.
Community support has been significant, which Lauren expressed gratitude for as all families affected by the tragedy find comfort in one another. “I want everyone to know what a wonderful human being he is,” Lauren said, emphasizing Jeromy’s kindness and dedication as a father, husband, and friend.