The Marine killed after an MV-22B Osprey made a hard landing in Hawaii on Sunday was identified as Lance Cpl. Joshua E. Barron, of Spokane, Washington.
Barron, a 24-year-old tiltrotor crew chief assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced), died from injuries sustained when the Osprey he was aboard crashed during a training exercise, according to a news release. He was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, prior to deploying with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
There were 22 Marines aboard the Osprey when it made a hard landing at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Four Marines remain hospitalized after the accident as of Monday, including one who is in critical condition.
Col. Vance L. Cryer, commanding officer of the 15th MEU, called Barron a fine young man and one of the best the nation has to offer.
"Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and the families of all the Marines involved in Sunday's crash," Cryer said in the release. "...We appreciate the thoughts, prayers and support we have received as we continue to care for the injured and mourn our fallen Marine."
Cryer added that the Marines aboard the aircraft, along with the civilian and military first responders, were heroic and selfless in the aftermath of the tragedy.
A fire broke out aboard the Osprey, but officials said it's unclear whether it contributed to the hard landing or happened as a result of it. The fire contributed to some of the Marines' injuries, Army Col. Steve Warren, a Pentagon spokesman, said Monday.
The MEU will continue training in Hawaii, Capt. Brian Block, a spokesman for the 15th MEU, said Monday. The unit left California earlier this month for a seven month deployment to the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions.
Officials with I Marine Expeditionary Force are coordinating the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
