Five Marines confirmed dead after helicopter crash in Pine Valley
UPDATE: Wife confirms husband, 23, among Marines killed in helicopter crash
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A military helicopter reported missing Wednesday morning was found hours later by authorities in Pine Valley. All five U.S. Marines onboard are now confirmed dead, officials announced Thursday.
Cal Fire said a call first came in around 2:20 a.m. reporting that the aircraft had not shown up to its destination. The CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter was flying from Creech Air Force Base, northwest of Las Vegas, to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego on Tuesday when the aircraft was reported overdue.
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The U.S. Marine Corps confirmed around 6:20 a.m. Wednesday that the helicopter was assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
The last reported area of the helicopter was north of Interstate 8 and Kitchen Creek Road, which is located southeast of Pine Valley, about 35 miles east of their destination. Search and rescue teams were deployed to the area, which officials described as snow-covered and hard to access.
Cal Fire’s Mike Cornette told FOX 5 that crews did try to search the area on foot, but were unable to find anything. He added that crews were awaiting vehicles that were better equipped to search in the terrain, including drones and additional aircraft.
The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing coordinated search and rescue efforts with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Border Patrol, and the Civil Air Patrol.
A command post was set up at Kitchen Creek Helibase in Pine Valley.
Waves of heavy downpours hit the area throughout the night from a historic storm that has drenched San Diego County this week. It was unclear what time the helicopter took off from Nevada or why it was flying back in the storm, but officials stated that it was part of routine training.
In a social media post at 9:54 a.m., the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing announced the aircraft was located by authorities at 9:08 a.m. Search and rescue efforts continued for the remainder of the day.
In another update Thursday morning at 4:55 a.m., the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing announced all five Marines had been confirmed dead.
“To the families of our fallen Marines, we send our deepest condolences and commit to ensuring your support and care during this incredibly difficult time,” stated Maj. Gen. Borgschulte, 3rd MAW Commanding General.
The identities of the deceased Marines will not be released until 24-hours after all next-of-kin have been notified by the military, per policy.
Crews are now focused on efforts to recover the remains of the Marines. Rescue crews told FOX 5 the chopper crashed in an area that is difficult to access because it’s so remote. Harsh weather conditions are also a factor.
In a statement on Thursday, Col. James Ford with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing said military personnel have “remained by their side” since they were located to “keep watch” while these efforts continue.
The Super Stallion serves as a transport chopper used for heavy lifting. In 2018, a Super Stallion carrying four Marines from MCAS Miramar crashed in El Centro, California, killing everyone on board.
In 2020, another CH-53E Super Stallion from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar was forced to make an emergency landing in a field near Interstate 15 outside San Diego after receiving a cockpit warning indicating a generator failure. No one was injured in that incident.
President Joe Biden released the following statement Thursday morning regarding the loss of the five Marines:
“Jill and I are heartbroken at the loss of five U.S. Marines, whose aircraft crashed while flying from Nevada to California during a routine training mission. As the Department of Defense continues to assess what occurred, we extend our deepest condolences to their families, their squadron, and the U.S. Marine Corps as we grieve the loss of five of our nation’s finest warriors. I am deeply grateful to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary-Civil Air Patrol, and other federal, state, and local agencies fr their professionalism and dedication in supporting search and recovery efforts.
Our service members represent the very best of our nation—and these five Marines were no exception. Today, as we mourn this profound loss, we honor their selfless service and ultimate sacrifice—and reaffirm the sacred obligation we bear to all those who wear the uniform and their families.“
California Governor Gavin Newsom also issued the following statement regarding the loss of five Marines from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing:
“California joins the nation in mourning the tremendous loss of these Marines. Jennifer and I send our heartfelt condolences to their families, loved ones, and fellow service members during this painful time. Their dedication to serving our country will always be remembered.”
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also responded via X, formerly known as Twitter.
“San Diego mourns with @MCASMiramarCA and our military community today on the loss of five of their own due to this tragic accident. My thoughts and prayers are with Col. Bedell, Maj. Gen. Borgschulte, the @3rdmaw, and the entire Marine Corps family,” Gloria said.
Flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff in honor of the fallen Marines.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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