2 Bomber Crash Victims Identified After 8 Killed On CA Air Force Base

KERN COUNTY, CA — The eight people killed Monday in a bomber crash at Edwards Air Force Base were beginning to be identified Tuesday.

The B-52 Stratofortress crashed and burst into flames at 11:20 a.m., shortly after takeoff during a routine test mission at the base in Kern County, authorities said.

The crew included uniformed military and government employees and contractors, Col. James Hayes said at a press conference Monday published on YouTube by CBS News, noting teams were notifying next of kin on Monday. Aircraft manufacturer Boeing confirmed Monday evening that two of its employees were on board.

"Today, Edwards Air Force Base experienced a horrible tragedy and we lost eight great Americans," Hayes said, noting the aircraft that crashed was part of a radar modernization program and that it could take upwards of six months before information about the investigation is available.

The base anticipated releasing crew names Wednesday morning, according to an email Tuesday evening.

The following victims have been identified:

Lt. Col. Miles Middleton

A GoFundMe identified one of the victims as Lt. Col. Miles Middleton, who leaves behind a wife, Pam Middleton, and two children.

"As a family friend, I’ve witnessed firsthand the strength and resilience Pam has shown, but the road ahead is filled with uncertainty and challenges," Melissa Lynch wrote on the GoFundMe webpage.

The money raised will go toward family expenses and education funds for the children. As of mid-day Tuesday, over $60,000 had been donated.

A photo on the Air Force base website shows Miles Middleton taking the 419th Flight Test Squadron guidon during a change of command ceremony. The 419th Flight Test Squadron encompasses the Global Power Bomber Combined Test Force.

Jeromy Smith

Jeromy Smith, a civilian engineer, was identified as one of the victims by local media and a GoFundMe started to support his family.

His wife, Lauren Smith, spoke to KTLA about the aircraft and said there had been issues with it.

“My husband told me on Friday that they were supposed to fly on Friday and that something was wrong with the plane,” she told KTLA. “I don’t know what was wrong, but the flight kept getting pushed back."

In addition to Lauren Smith, a teacher, Jeromy Smith is survived by the couple's two young sons, according to the GoFundMe, which noted that the family had recently purchased a home.

As of Tuesday evening, the GoFundMe had received nearly $15,000 in donations.