All victims ID’d in deadly B-52 bomber crash at Edwards Air Force Base

Published
June 17, 2026
Location
Edwards, California
Mojave Desert installation
Incident type
Crash, Aircraft, Fire

Summary

Car Crash Edwards California in Edwards, California: A B‐52 Stratofortress crashed moments after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base on Monday, June 15 at about 11:20 a.m., killing all eight people aboard. The aircraft plunged into the desert floor, producing a massive fireball and black smoke plume over the base.

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

All victims ID’d in deadly B-52 bomber crash at Edwards Air Force Base

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