Military officials identify all 8 victims of fiery B-52 crash at California Air Force base

Published
June 17, 2026
Outcome
Fatal
Location
Mojave, California
Incident type
Aircraft, Crash, Fire

Summary

Car Crash Mojave California in Mojave, California: A B‐52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base on Monday, June 15, 2026. Eight personnel aboard were killed in the fiery crash.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Col. Gregory Watson Unknown Fatal
Retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton Driver Fatal
Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella 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

Military officials identify all 8 victims of fiery B-52 crash at California Air Force base

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