“American hero, a hero to his little girl:” Family remembers veteran killed in Georgia boat crash

We are now learning more about the fifth victim who died along with four others in a Memorial Day weekend boat crash in Savannah.

Family and friends identified Robert Stephen Chauncey III, 37, as a combat veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served for 16 years.

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The crash happened on the Wilmington River around 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Two boats coming in opposite directions slammed into each other, killing five people and injuring four more.

Chauncey, along with Chris Leffler, his wife Lori Leffler and their two sons, lost their lives in the crash.

Police charged 45-year-old Mark Stegall for boating under the influence.

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According to a statement sent to WJCL-TV from the family, Chauncey was a Chief Warrant Officer III, serving as a pilot.

During his 2010 tour, he was awarded the Combat Action Badge and Air Medal.

Chauncey was an American hero and a hero to his daughter, family and friends.

“He served our country with pride and flying brought him so much joy, along with being on the water, especially surfing. While he had a lot of loves and passions in life, there was absolutely nothing he loved more than his 3-year-old daughter Carson, who he sadly leaves behind,” the family’s statement said.

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WJCL reports that Chauncey will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

The family is asking that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization they said helped Chauncey during a back surgery, and one he spoke highly of.

To donate, click here.

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