After them, five marines were found dead the helicopter went missing en route from Nevada to California.
The aircraft, a CH-53E Super Stallion, was located in Southern California on Wednesday afternoon. The plane was flying from Creek Air Force Base, Nevada, to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., on Tuesday when “the aircraft was reported overdue,” the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing said in a statement.
The Marines’ deaths were confirmed in a news release Wednesday.
“It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I share the loss of five Marines from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and the Flying Tigers on a night training flight,” Maj. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte said in a statement. . “These pilots and crew members served a calling greater than themselves and were proud to do so. We will always be grateful for their call to duty and selfless service.”
Their names have not been released.
Efforts continue to recover the remains of Marines assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. The investigation into the accident is ongoing.
The San Diego area was hit with snow and rain due to the winter storm. Parts of San Diego County were under a rare tornado warning Tuesday.
This is an evolving story. Please check for updates.