GA Man Among 8 Killed In Osprey Crash Near Japanese Coast: Air Force

KENNESAW, GA — A 25-year-old flight engineer from Kennesaw was identified Tuesday as one of the eight crew members killed in the CV-22 Osprey crash near the Japanese coast last week during a training mission, the Air Force Special Operations Command said Tuesday on Facebook.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jake M. Turnage was assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan.

The Air Force added efforts are shifting to recovering all eight bodies and the aircraft debris.

According to Channel 2 Action News, Turnage's family shared the following statement to Facebook:

"For those that have not heard, Jake was on the Osprey that crashed on Wednesday in Japan. This morning, we received official notice from the Air Force that Jake died in the crash. We grieve but not as those with no hope. Jake is with Jesus. We will share more later but for now we wanted to keep you in the loop. Thank you all for praying for us. We haven’t responded to every message and text but know that you are an encouragement to us and we feel deeply loved. For now we appreciate your prayers for us and other families that are going through this too. We will send out a more detailed update at a later time."

An around-the-clock search and rescue ensued for the eight airmen that included personnel from five military branches alongside Japanese allies, the Air Force said.

The Air Force said the remains of three airmen were recovered, and the remains of another three airmen were located and are in the process of being recovered. Meanwhile, the remains of two airmen are still being located.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and peers of all who are impacted by this mishap and loss of life,” Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, Air Force Special Operations Command commander, said in a news release. “In times like these, where service to our nation is not just a personal commitment but also a legacy woven into the fabric of our families, the depth of sorrow is immeasurable. The honorable service of these eight airmen to this great nation will never be forgotten, as they are now among the giants who shape our history.”