B-52 accident update – Edwards releases names of fallen crew members > Edwards Air Force Base > Article View

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

Summary

Car Crash Edwards California in Edwards, California: A B‐52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base during a routine test mission on Monday. Eight crew members were killed, and their names were released by the base after a 24‐hour waiting period for next‐of‐kin notifications. The airfield remains closed while an Interim Safety Investigation Board investigates the accident.

Publicly reported parties

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

Original reporting

B-52 accident update – Edwards releases names of fallen crew members > Edwards Air Force Base > Article View

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