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

Published
June 17, 2026
Outcome
Fatal
Location
Edwards, California
runway 15
Incident type
Crash, Fire, Aircraft

Summary

Car Crash Edwards California in Edwards, California: A B‐52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base on Monday, June 15, 2026. All eight crew members were killed and the aircraft was destroyed on runway 15.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Col. Gregory Watson Unknown 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 - KTAR.com

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