DEERFIELD, Va., Aug. 29 (UPI) -- The Massachusetts Air National Guard announced late Thursday that the pilot originally believed to be missing after his F-15C Eagle crash landed in rural Virginia on Wednesday died in the accident.
Radio contact was lost with the unidentified pilot five minutes before the jet crash landed Wednesday morning at approximately 9:05 a.m. EDT in a remote, wooded area of the George Washington National Forest, while en route to Naval Air Station New Orleans.
Following an exhaustive two-day aerial and ground search, officials confirmed "the pilot was fatally injured in the Aug. 27 crash," the 104th Fighter Wing noted.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and we are doing all we can to support them during this very difficult time," said Col. James Keefe, Commander, 104th Fighter Wing. "We ask that everyone respect the privacy of the family and allow them the time they need to grieve."
