The Marine Corps identified the five crew members declared dead after a helicopter crash in a statement Friday.
The five Marines — three captains, a sergeant and a lance corporal — were flying a CH-53 Super Stallion heavy-lift helicopter from Creech Air Force Base in Clark County, Nevada, to California when the aircraft went down near Pine Valley, California. While an investigation is ongoing into the crash, the unit, known as the Flying Tigers, identified the fallen troops in an emailed statement.
“We have been confronted with a tragedy that is every service family’s worst fear,” Lt. Col. Nicholas J. Harvey, commanding officer of the squadron, said in the statement. “Our top priority now is supporting the families of our fallen heroes, and we ask for your respect and understanding as they grieve.”
“The Flying Tigers family stands strong and includes the friends and community who have supported our squadron during this challenging time. We will get through this together,” he added.
Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, of Olathe, Kansas, enlisted in 2019, and was promoted to the rank of lance corporal on Jan.1 and served as a CH-53E helicopter crew chief, according to the Marine Corps.
Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, of Chandler, Arizona, enlisted in 2017, was promoted to sergeant in 2022 and served as a CH-53E helicopter crew chief.
