One of the five Marines killed in a helicopter crash in California on Thursday has been identified as a 23-year-old newlywed sergeant. Alec Langen.
The young Arizona native just married last month. According to NBC7, the helicopter he was on was en route to an airfield near San Diego when it broke down due to inclement weather.
The plane received an “overdue report” after departing from Creech Air Force Base outside Las Vegas, Nevada, on Tuesday night. report.
The wreckage was discovered after an extensive search in difficult terrain. found They arrived Thursday about 45 miles from their destination in the snow-covered California mountains.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of five outstanding Marines from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and the Flying Tigers,” Maj. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte, commander of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, said in a statement. will be accompanied.” Following news that a helicopter had been spotted.
“Alec Langen was one of the Marines aboard the helicopter that crashed on Tuesday,” the grieving family said in a statement to local NBC station. “We will miss him very much.”
At the time of his death, Mr. Langen was serving as the helicopter’s crew chief.
Alec dreamed of following in his footsteps and becoming a Marine, according to his father, Stephen Langen.
“Ever since I was three years old, I wanted to do what my daddy did,” said his heartbroken father. Said ABC15. “I did the same thing. From ’86 to ’95, I was in the same helicopter and everything was the same.”
“This valley was lucky to have our son.”
A 23 year old Marine. Alec Langen, of Chandler, Arizona, was one of five people killed in a helicopter training session near San Diego.
He served as a crew chief and married the love of his life in Sedona a month ago. | @abc15 pic.twitter.com/FRsMIalrDL
— Christine Stanwood (@stanwoodreports) February 9, 2024
“Being a Marine meant everything to Alec. Steve pinned his wings on him when he finished training. He adored his father,” said Alec’s mother, Karen Langen.
The mourning mother added that she was “grateful” to the first responders who searched for her son’s body.
The U.S. Marine Corps later identified the remaining four crew members as 1st Lt. Captain Donovan Davis (21 years old), Captain Benjamin Moulton (27 years old), Captain Jack Casey (26 years old), and Captain Miguel Nava (28 years old).
JUST IN: The identities of five Marines killed in a helicopter crash during a routine training flight this week have been identified, the Marine Corps announced. pic.twitter.com/Pdgv8czV6f
— ABC News (@ABC) February 9, 2024
A public investigation into the cause of the crash is underway, officials added Thursday.
California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) said, “California joins the nation in mourning the tremendous loss of our Marines.”
“Their dedication to service to our country will always be remembered,” he said in a statement obtained by NBC 7.
