The five Marines who were missing after a military helicopter crashed in San Diego County, California, have been confirmed dead, officials said Thursday morning.
The wreckage of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter was discovered in Pine Valley, California, on Wednesday, according to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. The five Marines were later found dead during a search and rescue operation.
The names of the fallen Marines will not be released until 24 hours after the service members’ next of kin are notified, and an investigation into the crash is still underway. However, the incident occurred during a training exercise on Tuesday.
“These pilots and crewmembers were serving a calling greater than self and were proud to do so,” Maj. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte, commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, said in a statement. “We will forever be grateful for their call to duty and selfless service.”
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department said it received a call at 1:50 a.m. Pacific time and sent out a search helicopter, which was unable to reach the area due to the atmospheric river-fueled storm pouring rain over Southern California. Off-road vehicles were also sent out by the department to search through difficult terrain.
A spokesperson for the Marine aircraft wing said the Super Stallion was reported “overdue” early Wednesday morning and had last pinged over Cleveland National Forest on Tuesday night. The forest is located near Pine Valley.
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President Joe Biden said he and first lady Jill Biden were “heartbroken” over the news of the fallen service members and offered condolences to the families and loved ones of the Marines.
“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,” Biden said in a statement. “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.”
