The US Navy said on Sunday that two pilots who went missing last week after a fighter plane crash near Mount Rainier in Washington state have died.
The pair were in the same plane, a Navy EA-18G Growler, on a routine training flight when it crashed, the Navy said in a statement. The wreckage of the plane was found on Wednesday, but the two crew members remained missing and the search for the bodies continues.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of two beloved Zappers,” said Commander Timothy Warburton, commander of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, referring to the nickname of squadron members.
“Our priority at this time is caring for the families of our fallen Airmen and ensuring the well-being of our Sailors and the Growler community. We are grateful for the continued teamwork to find the deceased safely,” he said.
The identities of the crew will not be released until 24 hours after their families are notified.
Warburton said a search team continues to scour a wide area, “to recover debris and plan for the long-term recovery and recovery efforts.” The crash site is about 6,000 feet above sea level, in a heavily forested area east of Mount Rainier, the Navy said last week.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, Warburton said.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
