An Arizona Marine has been identified as one of the five victims in the tragic helicopter crash during stormy conditions near San Diego. Sgt. Alec Langen of Chandler was on board the CH-53E Super Stallion when it went down in the Cuyamaca Mountains outside of San Diego, as confirmed by a family member in FOX 10 Phoenix. The helicopter, assigned to transport troops even in inclement weather, vanished while returning to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar from a training exercise at Creech Air Force Base, northwest of Las Vegas.
Investigators are currently trying to determine if it was appropriate to send the aircraft out amid the storm that struck the region. According to a report from 12 News, the crash site was discovered near the mountain community of Pine Valley. Maj. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte expressed his condolences over the loss, acknowledging the inherent risks of such missions, "even though every flight for Marines is considered a training opportunity."
The CH-53E Super Stallion, known as the military's largest helicopter, encountered harsh weather conditions, including intense snowfall. Search efforts were underway to recover the remains of the Marines after the military confirmed their deaths yesterday. This Somber confirmation brought forth expressions of sympathies from Marine Corps leaders, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and President Joe Biden.
With a heavy heart, Cassandra Langen, Sgt. Alec Langen's wife, reflected on her husband's humor and generosity in an interview with FOX 10 Phoenix, "He was so funny. He would make me laugh, even when I was in no mood to want to laugh." She recalls the last communication when her messages were not sending, signifying the onset of her worst fears. The couple wed in a ceremony in Sedona, celebrating what Cassandra termed "100% the best year of my life."
In a tribute to her late husband and their short-lived happiness, she urged others to "Just hold on to what you love," a sentiment she will carry forward as she cherishes the memories of their time together.
