2 of 5 ID'd In CA Military Aircraft Crash; Flags To Fly At Half-Staff

GLAMIS, CA — Two men from Illinois and Wyoming were among five marines killed when a military aircraft crashed in the southern California desert Wednesday, friends and family members said.

As California Patch previously reported, an MV-22B Osprey belonging to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing crashed around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday near Glamis, about 120 miles east of San Diego in Imperial County. All five Marines who were on board the aircraft died.

Family members told the Bulletin that Seth Rasmuson, formerly of Buffalo, Wyoming, was among the victims. He graduated from Buffalo High School in 2019.

Gov. Mark Gordon ordered the American and State of Wyoming flags to fly at half-staff statewide Friday through sunset Monday in Rasmuson's memory.

Sen. John Barrasso confirmed Rasmuson's death in a Twitter statement Thursday evening.

"We are deeply saddened to learn today about the death of one of Wyoming’s U.S. Marines, Seth Rasmuson," Barrasso said. "There is certainly more to learn about what happened yesterday, and much more we need to hear about his life and service to our country.

"Today, we mourn this tragic loss. Bobbi and I are holding Seth and his family in our prayers.”

Also on the plane was Nathan Carlson, 21, of Machesney Park, Illinois, about 75 miles west of Chicago, an uncle told WTVO.

Winnebago County officials said in a Facebook post that Carlson graduated in 2019 from Harlem High School and was a member of the swim team and nephew of county board member Keith McDonald.

"Please keep the Carlson and McDonald families in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," the county said.

He had wanted to be a Marine since he was a young boy.

"He'd shoot BB guns and he would wear his Marine hat and Marine T-shirt," McDonald told the Rockford Register Star. "Nine days after (high school) graduation, off he went."

Emily Baxter remembered her boyfriend in a touching tribute posted to Facebook.

"My heart is absolutely shattered," she wrote. "I don’t have words to explain what i feel or how badly this is tearing me apart already."

Carlson had a big heart, she said, and was always willing to help others in need.

"He’s been my go to person since i met him and the best person to talk to about anything and everything," she wrote. "He left for work yesterday and woke me up and hugged me so tight, he told me he loved me and that was the last time i’d seen my person. my favorite soul."

On Thursday, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing said in a statement: "We mourn the loss of our Marines in this tragic mishap. Our hearts go out to their families and friends as they cope with this tragedy.'"

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.

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.

Flags at the California State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will fly at half-staff in their honor, he said.