NH Man Among 5 Marines Killed In CA Military Aircraft Crash

GLANDIS, CA — A man from New Hampshire was among the Marines killed when a military aircraft crashed in the southern California desert this week, officials said Saturday.

Capt. Nicholas P. Losapio, 31, of Rockingham, New Hampshire, was one of five Marines conducting a training exercise on an MV-22B Osprey belonging to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing when it crashed around 12:30 p.m. The accident happened Wednesday near Glamis, about 120 miles east of San Diego in Imperial County.

All five Marines who were on board the aircraft died.

Losapio served as a Marine for nearly 9 years, according to a statement from the U.S. Marine Corps. He was an MV-22B pilot and received numerous commendations including the Air Medal with Strike/Flight numeral 2, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, a Navy Unit Commendation, a National Defense Service Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, an Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

Losapio, a 2009 graduate of Exeter High School, was also a member of the school's wrestling team, the Foster's Daily Democrat reported.

On Friday, friends and family identified two other victims: Cpl. Seth Rasmuson, 21, of Johnson, Wyoming, and Cpl. Nathan Carlson, 21, of Winnebago, Illinois.

Officials released the identities of the other three victims Saturday.

Lance Cpl. Evan A. Strickland, 19, of Valencia, New Mexico was also killed in the crash. Strickland, who served for 19 months, was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

The fifth victim was identified as Capt. John J. Sax, 33, of Placer, California. Sax, an MV-22B pilot, served for just under 6 years and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and a Letter of Appreciation.

"It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of five Marines from the Purple Fox family," Lt. Col. John Miller said in a statement. "This is an extremely difficult time for VMM-364 and it is hard to express the impact that this loss has had on our squadron and its families."

The aircraft was based at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton.

The MV-22 Osprey is used by the Marine Corps to transport troops, equipment and supplies from ships and land bases. The Osprey can operate as a helicopter or a propeller-based aircraft.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement that he and his wife, Jennifer, were sending "heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones grieving the five Marines."
"Their selflessness and dedication to serving our country will forever be remembered," Newsom said.