A B-52 Stratofortress, similar to the one seen here, crashed Monday in California, killing eight people on board. U.S. Air Force officials identified the eight victims on Wednesday. File photo courtesy U.S. Air Force
U.S. Air Force officials identified Wednesday the eight crew members who died earlier this week in a U.S. strategic bomber crash in California.
The B-52 Stratofortress crashed during a routine test mission in the Mojave Desert. Air Force officials said the crash occurred shortly after takeoff at 11:20 a.m. PDT Monday at Edwards Air Force Base.
All eight on board were killed.
The victims were identified Wednesday as Col. Gregory Watson, 53; Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, 40; retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton, 50; Maj. Alexander Davis, 34; Maj. Robert Dee, 40; Maj. Brad Hovey, 35; Jeromy Smith, 32; and Christopher Rischar.
“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I can now share the names of the eight extraordinary Americans we lost during Monday’s B-52 crash,” Col. Thomas Tauer, 412th Test Wing commander, said in a statement.
“Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with their families, loved ones and fellow airmen, Air Force civilians and mission partners affected by this tragedy.”
Team Edwards has identified the eight individuals lost during Monday's B-52 crash.
Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with their families, loved ones and fellow Airmen, Air Force civilians and mission partners affected by this tragedy. https://t.co/N77ICZrypG pic.twitter.com/81FyPH8c2U— Edwards Air Force Base (@EdwardsAFB) June 17, 2026
The identities of the victims were released following a 24-hour waiting period after all next of kin notifications were completed, according to the Air Force base, citing Department of Defense policy.
“These airmen were more than coworkers: They were friends, mentors, teammates and valued members of our Edwards and Air Force family,” Tauer said in a statement.
“Our immediate focus is supporting the families of the teammates we lost and ensuring that all appropriate resources are available to them during this time of unimaginable loss.”
Of the eight victims, Watson and Middleton were Boeing employees.
The U.S. aerospace manufacturer previously confirmed that two of the victims were employees.
The crash is under investigation, and the airfield where the crash occurred remains closed, Air Force officials said.
“As we grieve this tragedy, we honor their lives, their contributions to our country and the families, friends, colleagues and communities who now carry this profound sorrow,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a social media statement.
“California stands with the men and women of Edwards Air Force Base, the United States Air Force and all those affected by this devastating accident.”
