(Edwards AFB, CA ) -- U.S. Air Force officials have identified those killed in Monday's B-52 bomber crash at Edwards Air Force Base, one of the victims is from Iowa. 35-year-old Brad Hovey was a 2009 graduate of Adel-Desoto-Minburn High School.
Eight people were killed during takeoff during a routine test mission on Monday. Hovey was a pilot with the 419th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards.
Governor Kim Reynolds issued a statement saying, “Along with every Iowan, Kevin and I mourn the loss of Maj. Brad Hovey and we offer our sincere condolences and prayers for his family. Again, we are reminded of the incredible sacrifice demanded of every American who chooses to serve our country. As we honor Maj. Hovey’s life and service, let us never forget the cost of our freedom.”
The 7 other victims have been identified as:
Col. Gregory Watson, 53, weapon systems officer, Boeing (Air Force reservist, assigned 10th Air Force, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas), Shreveport, LA.
Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, 40, weapon systems officer, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Detachment 5, Edwards AFB, CA.
Retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton, 50, pilot, Boeing, Tehachapi, CA.
Maj. Alexander Davis, 34, weapon systems officer, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Lancaster, CA.
Maj. Robert Dee, 40, pilot, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Edwards AFB, CA.
Jeromy Smith, 32, flight test engineer, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Rosamond, CA.
Christopher Rischar, 41, flight test engineer, JT4 contractor, Lancaster, CA.
The plane crashed moments after takeoff at about 11:20 Monday morning local time and quickly burst into flames. The cause is under investigation. The base remains closed.
Photo: United States Air Force