Michigan Marine Among 5 Killed In California Helicopter Crash

A U.S. Marine from Kent County was one of the five killed Tuesday after their helicopter went down in the mountains outside San Diego during storms, officials said Friday.

Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, of Comstock Park, a CH-53E helicopter pilot, was among the dead in the mishap, U.S. Marine Corps officials said.

Nava and the other four were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. They were based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California.

"Absolutely heartbroken to hear that Miguel Nava of Comstock Park was one of the Marines killed in a crash this week," tweeted U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Grand Rapids, whose district includes Comstock Park.

"I offered my condolences and assistance to his family after hearing the news, and join our community and nation in lifting his loved ones in prayer."

Nava was commissioned in the corps on May 26, 2017, and was promoted to the rank of captain on Nov. 1, 2021. His decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

In 2013, he was nominated and accepted to both the U.S. Naval Academy and Air Force Academy but chose the Naval Academy to study, according to an article at the time. He spoke of his dream of being a pilot since he was a young child. 

"We have been confronted with a tragedy that is every service family’s worst fear," Lt. Col. Nicholas Harvey, commanding officer of HMH-361, said in a statement Friday.

"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 other four killed were:

∎ Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, of Olathe, Kansas, a CH-53E helicopter crew chief. Davis enlisted on Sept. 3, 2019, and was promoted to his rank on Jan. 1, 2024. His decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

 Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, of Chandler, Arizona, a CH-53E helicopter crew chief. Langen enlisted in the Marine Corps on Sept. 14, 2017, and was promoted to his rank on Oct. 1, 2022. His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons.

Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, of Emmett, Idaho, a CH-53E helicopter pilot. Moulton was commissioned in the Marine Corps on March 29, 2019, and was promoted on Aug. 1, 2023. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal.

Capt. Jack Casey, 26, of Dover, New Hampshire, a CH-53E helicopter pilot. Casey was commissioned on May 16, 2019, and was promoted on Sept. 1, 2023. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal.

Authorities said the CH-53E Super Stallion vanished late Tuesday night while returning to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego after training at Creech Air Force Base, northwest of Las Vegas.

On Friday, officials said the incident remains under investigation.