NH Man Among 5 Marines Dead In CA Helicopter Crash

DOVER, NH — A New Hampshire man is one of five Marines killed in a helicopter crash during a routine training flight Tuesday, officials confirmed Friday.

Marine Captain Jack Casey, 26, from Dover, was a CH-53E helicopter pilot, according to officials.

"Capt. Jack Casey gave his life while serving his country," Governor Chris Sununu said in a statement. "Valerie and I are deeply saddened as we mourn the loss of these five Marines. Capt. Jack Casey’s death is a profound loss for his family, his community, New Hampshire, and the country."

Sununu added that he has directed all flags on all public buildings and grounds in New Hampshire to fly at half-staff on the day of interment.

Casey was commissioned in the Marine Corps on May 16, 2019, and was promoted to the rank of Captain on Sept. 1, 2023, according to the U.S. Marine Corps. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal.

The Marines lost in the crash have been identified as:

• Lance Corporal Donovan Davis, 21, of Olathe, Kansas, a CH-53E helicopter crew chief.
• Sergeant Alec Langen, 23, of Chandler, Arizona, a CH-53E helicopter crew chief.
• Captain Benjamin Moulton, 27, of Emmett, Idaho, a CH-53E helicopter pilot.
• Captain Jack Casey, 26, of Dover, New Hampshire, a CH-53E helicopter pilot.
• Captain Miguel Nava, 28, of Traverse City, Michigan, a CH-53E helicopter pilot.

The five 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.

They 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.

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

Harvey continued: "Our top priority now is supporting the families of our fallen heroes, and we ask for your respect and understanding as they grieve. 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 crash remains under investigation.