(WWJ) A U.S. Marine from West Michigan is among those who died when a helicopter crashed near San Diego during stormy weather, earlier this week.
Marine Corps officials named 28-year old Captain Miguel Nava of Comstock Park, which is just north of Grand Rapids, as one of the five victims — all young men in their 20s.
Nava was a helicopter pilot who joined the Marines nearly seven years ago.
West Michigan Congresswoman Hillary Scholten posted on social media that she is "absolutely heartbroken" to hear Nava was one of the Marines killed in the crash. She wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "I offered my condolences and assistance to his family after hearing the news, and join our community and nation in lifting his loved ones in prayer."
According to the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, Nava was born in Traverse City and was a graduate of Comstock Park High School.
The Associated Press reports that Nava was the oldest of the five victims. The youngest of the five was Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, of Olathe, Kansas, who was just promoted to the rank of lance corporal on New Year’s Day.
Davis and Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, of Chandler, Arizona, were both crew chiefs. The rest were CH-53E pilots.
The decorated Marines 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 the squadron. “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 military is still investigating the crash.