Eastern Kentucky man is 1 of 4 Marines dead after a helicopter crash in Norway
A man from Eastern Kentucky was one of four Marines killed during a helicopter crash in Bodo, Norway, military officials confirmed Sunday.
Cpl. Jacob Moore, a 24 year old man from Catlettsburg, Ky., was one of the four victims from the training flight crash which happened Friday, according to military officials.
The helicopter, a MV-22B Osprey, was reported missing Friday evening. Military officials said the wrecked helicopter was found by the Norwegian Joint Rescue Coordination Centre the next day.
Military officials said the dead Marines were removed from the crash site and are in the process of being returned to the U.S. The cause of the crash was under investigation.
“The pilots and crew were committed to accomplishing their mission and serving a cause greater than themselves,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Cederholm, the commanding general of 2d Marine Aircraft Wing, in a letter to his Marines and their families.
The other Marines who died were Capt. Matthew Tomkiewicz, 27, of Fort Wayne, In.; Capt. Ross Reynolds, 27, of Leominster, Mass.; and Gunnery Sgt. James Speedy, 30, of Cambridge, Ohio.
“These Marines were simply doing what they loved to do, and we must – we will – keep these warriors and their selfless example of service in the forefront of our minds,” Cederholm said in a statement posted to Facebook.
The Marines were made aware of the “mishap” involving the aircraft Friday night, according to a statement released on Twitter. Norweigan authorities led the efforts to find the victims, the Marines said.
Cederholm said the mission will continue forward and the marines’ sacrifice will never go “unnoticed or underappreciated.”
Moore served as an MV-22B Osprey crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing stationed on Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., according to military officials.
He joined the Marine Corps in August 2018 and earned the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal throughout his career.
Sen. Mitch McConnell said he was “saddened to learn” about Moore’s death.
“I am incredibly grateful for his service defending our nation’s freedom,” McConnell said in a tweet. “My prayers are with his family in this difficult time.”
Gov. Andy Beshear also said he was praying for Moore’s family.
“Britainy (Beshear) and I are sending our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Cpl. Jacob Moore,” the governor said in a tweet. ”We honor his bravery and service and hold all of the families impacted by this tragic accident in prayer.”
