MI Marine Among 5 Killed In CA Helicopter Crash

TRAVERSE CITY, MI — A Michigander was among five Marines who were killed in a helicopter crash Tuesday during stormy weather in rural California.

Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, of Traverse City, was killed in the crash, along with Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, of Olathe, Kansas; Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, of Chandler, Arizona; Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, of Emmett, Idaho and Capt. Jack Casey, 26, of Dover, New Hampshire.

They were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and were based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego.

"We have been confronted with a tragedy that is every service family's worst fear," said Lt. Col. Nicholas J. Harvey, commanding officer of HMH-361.

"Our top priority now is supporting the families of our fallen heroes, and we ask for your respect and understanding as they grieve," Harvey said. "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."

The Marines were flying a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter that left Creech Air Force Base near Las Vegas for a routine flight training and was headed to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. The aircraft was "reported overdue" late Tuesday, according to the U.S. Marine Corps.

Civil authorities found the aircraft shortly after 9 a.m. Wednesday in the mountainous area of Pine Valley, according to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, which led the search. The San Diego County Sheriff's Department, Cal Fire San Diego, Border Patrol, Forest Service and other agencies also helped search the area.

The crash remains under investigation.