California helicopter crash kills all five Marines aboard as storm raged

Five Marines were confirmed dead on Thursday, some 30 hours after their ill-fated helicopter disappeared during stormy weather while traveling from Nevada to California.

“It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I share the loss of five outstanding Marines from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and the ‘Flying Tigers,’” Maj. Gen. Michael Borgschulte, commander of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, said in a statement.

“To the families of our fallen Marines, we send our deepest condolences and commit to ensuring your support and care during this incredibly difficult time,” Borgshulte continued. “Though we understand the inherent risks of military service, any loss of life is always difficult.”

None of their names have been released, but they were each assigned to Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16.

Efforts to recover the servicemembers’ remains are underway, Borgshulte added.

The Marines were “reported overdue” late Tuesday night, after their helicopter failed to return to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego after training at Creech Air Force Base, just northwest of Las Vegas, according to a press release from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. The aircraft’s last ping was recorded at 11:20 p.m., Mike Cornette of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection told CBS 8 news.

After an hourslong search by both ground and sky, civilian authorities located the chopper around 9 a.m. PT Wednesday in Pine Valley, a mountainous area some 30 miles east of the San Diego station. An investigation is ongoing regarding what caused the helicopter to go down, but authorities noted it disappeared as a massive storm unleashed heavy snow and record rain onto California.

What’s more, winds swept through the Pine Valley area at 20 MPH Tuesday evening and likely were much fiercer at higher elevations, while other parts of San Diego County were under a rare tornado warning

Even more rain and snow hit the region Wednesday night, forecasters said.

The CH-53E Super Stallion, a heavy-lift helicopter, is used to transport both crew and cargo, according to the Navy. It can carry up to 16 tons, and it is designed to fly in harsh conditions.