8 victims killed in B-52 crash identified by Edwards Air Force Base - ABC News

Published
June 17, 2026
Outcome
Fatal
Location
Edwards, California
Edwards Air Force Base
View on map
Incident type
Crash, Aircraft

Summary

Car Crash Edwards California in Edwards, California: A B‐52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base on Monday morning, June 15 2026, killing all eight people aboard. The aircraft burst into flames during a routine test mission and the incident is under investigation.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Col. Gregory Watson Unknown Fatal
Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella Unknown Fatal
retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton Driver Fatal
Maj. Alexander Davis Unknown Fatal
Maj. Robert Dee Driver Fatal
Maj. Brad Hovey Driver Fatal
Jeromy Smith Unknown Fatal
Christopher Rischar Unknown Fatal

Original reporting

8 victims killed in B-52 crash identified by Edwards Air Force Base - ABC News

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