Bodies of 3 Marines killed during in Australian Osprey crash pulled from site of crash
The three Marines killed are based in Darwin
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The bodies of three Marines who were killed during a crash in an MV-22B Osprey were pulled from the crash site, according to the Marine Corps.
According to officials, the three Marines were among 23 passengers onboard an MV-22B Osprey when it crashed on Melville Island, north of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia on Sunday.
Marine Rotational Force - Darwin (MRF-D) identified the Marines as Capt. Eleanor V. LeBeau, a 29-year-old female from Belleville, Illinois, who served as the MV-22B pilot; Cpl. Spencer R. Collart, a 21-year-old male from Arlington, Virginia, who served as the MV-22B crew chief; and Maj. Tobin J. Lewis, a 37-year-old male from Jefferson, Colorado, another MV-22B pilot who was also the executive officer.
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The Marines said in a Tuesday statement that the three people were declared dead at the crash site, and added that their bodies were taken to Darwin late in the day.
3 US MARINES KILLED IN OSPREY CRASH IN AUSTRALIA HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED
Col. Brendan Sullivan, commanding officer of the Marine Rotation Force-Darwin said its main focus is on investigating the cause of the crash and supporting the recovery.
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"We are deeply saddened by the loss of three respected and beloved members of the MRF-D family," Sullivan said in a statement."Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and with all involved."
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The three Marines killed are based in Darwin.
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President Biden issued a social media statement on the crash.
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"Jill and I send our deepest condolences to the families of the Marines who lost their lives in this deadly crash," Biden tweeted. "We are praying for those who also suffered injuries."
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.