Pilot killed in crash identified
Capt. Durwood “Hawk” Jones was piloting the F-16 Fighting Falcon that crashed in the U.P. Tuesday.
The Wisconsin Air National Guard pilot who died in a plane crash in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has been identified as Capt. Durwood “Hawk” Jones, 37, of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Jones was the pilot of an F-16 Fighting Falcon that crashed in the Hiawatha National Forest on Tuesday evening during a routine training exercise. A cause has not been determined.
Jones joined the Air National Guard in 2011 and went on to become a decorated combat veteran, having been deployed as part of a U.S. security package program in Japan and Korea in 2015 and 2017, respectively.
He was also deployed as part of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in Afghanistan in 2019, according to the Wisconsin National Guard.
He has been awarded two Air Medals in recognition of being exposed to hostile action, or under significant risk of hostile action.
He is survived by his wife and two children, according to the guard.
In a statement Thursday, Col. Bart Van Roo, of the 115th Fighter Wing, called Jones “a great Airman and patriot.”
“The loss of a member like this is a very difficult thing for such a committed group of professionals,” Van Roo said at a news conference in Madison on Friday. “Our sadness over this loss will dissipate, but the scar may never heal.”
Jones was participating in a series of nighttime training exercises with the 115th Fighter Wing in Madison on the night of his crash.
Van Roo said Friday the 115th Fighter Wing has temporarily suspended its regular flying operations.
The crash was reported about 8 p.m. Tuesday. Emergency responders did not locate Jones’ body until Thursday.
At the news conference Friday, Van Roo declined to provide any details on the crash or what preceded it, citing an open investigation.
Wisconsin’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, and his wife, Renee, issued a statement Friday evening mourning the loss of Jones.
“Capt. Jones was a great pilot, leader, patriot, and combat veteran, who lost his life training to protect our state and nation. Like all Guardsmen, he was more than that. He was also a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend,” the statement said. “We will cherish his memory, and honor his sacrifice, as we pray for the healing of his family and the 115th Fighter Wing community."
Gov. Tony Evers ordered flags to be flown at half-staff through sunset on Dec. 18. In a statement, he called Jones a “selfless hero.”
“Our hearts break for his wife and kids and his family, and Kathy and I join the people of our state in offering our condolences.”