SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — Five United States Marines are dead after their military helicopter crashed in Pine Valley during a flight from a Nevada Air Force Base to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, the Marines confirmed.
The U.S. Marine Corps issued a statement on Thursday morning, February 8 confirming that all 5 Marines onboard the helicopter have died.
Maj. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte, commanding general of 3rd MAW issued the following statement,
“It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I share the loss of five outstanding Marines from 3d Marine Aircraft Wing and the “Flying Tigers” while conducting a training flight last night. These pilots and crewmembers were serving a calling greater than self and were proud to do so. We will forever be grateful for their call to duty and selfless service. To the families of our fallen Marines, we send our deepest condolences and commit to ensuring your support and care during this incredibly difficult time.”
One of the five Marines killed in the crash was identified as Sgt. Alec Langen from Chandler, Arizona, his family confirmed to KNPX.
WATCH: Col. James C. Ford, 3rd MAW operations officer gives update on recovery efforts for 5 Marines killed in CA helicopter (Feb. 8, 3:30 p.m.)
The identities of the five Marines are being withheld while the military notifies their families.
Efforts to recover the remains and equipment are underway as well as an investigation into what caused the crash.
The five Marines were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 and were flying a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter based out of Miramar. The Marines were on a flight from Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, Nevada, approximately 350 miles away from San Diego, a Marine spokesperson confirmed.
The military helicopter was located in Pine Valley at around 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday. Search and rescue efforts were initiated and led by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing after their helicopter did not arrive.
The crew was conducting unit-level training and on their way back to base at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, defense officials said.
The San Diego Sheriff's Department was notified at about 1 a.m. that the helicopter did not return to Miramar and was last seen near Pine Valley, about 35 miles east of San Diego, according to Lt. Matthew Carpenter.
The helicopter crew was returning during a strong winter storm which brought heavy rain, wind, and snow to Southern California.
The location was described as very remote, rugged terrain. Cal Fire Captain Mike Cornette said the snow, mud and rain made it difficult to even get to the site. He said Cal Fire crews responded to the scene on foot Tuesday night, but pulled back to get more resources.
The U.S. Border Patrol, San Diego County Sheriff's Department and the California Civil Air Patrol assisted in the search. Drones were also deployed in the search and rescue effort.
WATCH RELATED: Marines confirmed dead in helicopter crash in San Diego