State Capital lowers flags to half-staff, honoring 8 victims of B-52 crash

Published
June 18, 2026
Location
Mojave, California
runway at Edwards Air Force Base
View on map
Incident type
Crash, Aircraft

Summary

Car Crash Mojave California in Mojave, California: A B‐52 Stratofortress crashed on the runway of Edwards Air Force Base near Mojave on Monday, killing all eight crew members aboard. Flags at the California State Capitol in Sacramento were lowered to half‐staff on June 18 to honor the victims.

Publicly reported parties

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

Original reporting

State Capital lowers flags to half-staff, honoring 8 victims of B-52 crash | KGET 17 News

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