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Ex-Dodger Steve Sax's Son Among Five Marines Killed in Imperial County Crash

SAN DIEGO - Five Camp Pendleton-based servicemen killed when an aircraft crashed during a training flight in Imperial County have been

identified by the U.S. Marines Corps, including the son of former Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Steve Sax.

Cpl. Nathan E. Carlson, 21, of Winnebago, Illinois, a crew chief; Capt. Nicholas P. Losapio, 31, of Rockingham, New Hampshire, a pilot; Cpl. Seth

D. Rasmuson, 21, of Johnson, Wyoming, a crew chief; Capt. John J. Sax, 33, of Placer, a pilot; and Lance Cpl. Evan A. Strickland, 19, of Valencia, New

Mexico, a crew chief were all on board the MV-22B Osprey that went down shortly before 12:30 p.m. Wednesday in an ``aviation mishap'' while on a training mission near Glamis, east of Brawley, according to the Third Marine Aircraft Wing.

``It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of five Marines from the Purple Fox family'' Lt. Col. John C. Miller said. ``This is an extremely

difficult time... and it is hard to express the impact that this loss has had on our squadron and its families. Our primary mission now is taking care of the

family members of our fallen Marines and we respectfully request privacy for their families as they navigate this difficult time.''

Steve Sax, 62, issued the following statement: ``It is with complete devastation that I announce that my precious

son, Johnny was one of the five US Marines that perished on Wednesday, June 8 in the Osprey Military crash near San Diego.

``For those of you that knew Johnny, you saw his huge smile, bright light, his love for his family, the Marines, the joy of flying airplanes and

defending our country! He was my hero and the best man I know, there was no better person to defend our country,'' the statement said.

The Commander of Naval Air Forces ordered all non-deployed aircraft units to conduct a one-day safety pause after multiple recent crashes in

Imperial County, FOX5 reported.

The cause of the crash was under investigation.

Copyright 2022, City News Service, Inc.

CNS-06-11-2022 21:39



 

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