Victims ID'd in B-52 bomber crash that killed 8 at Edwards Air Force Base - AOL

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

Summary

Car Crash Edwards California in Edwards, California: A B‐52 Stratofortress bomber crashed on the runway at Edwards Air Force Base after taking off around 11:20 a.m. local time, killing all eight people aboard. The aircraft burst into flames shortly after departure and the base remained closed until at least Thursday.

Publicly reported parties

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

Original reporting

Victims ID'd in B-52 bomber crash that killed 8 at Edwards Air Force Base - AOL

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