Two missing crew members of an aircraft that crashed last week near Mount Rainier have been declared deceased, the Navy announced Sunday.
That announcement was shared via social media by a reporter who covers the military.
“The U.S. Navy has declared two missing crew members of the EA-186 Growler crash, deceased,” the announcement reads. “Electronic Attack Wing Pacific has shifted from search and rescue efforts to recovery operations.”
The plane crashed east of Mount Rainier at around 3:23 p.m. Tuesday during a routine training flight. The aircraft had departed earlier from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, The News Tribune reported.
The wreckage was spotted Wednesday afternoon at an altitude of about 6,000 feet in a remote, steep, heavily wooded area, according to the News Tribune report.
The Navy, local law enforcement and partner agencies finally reached the spot where the plane crashed on Friday, according to an update at 5 p.m. the same day, the News Tribune reported.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of two beloved Zappers,” said Commander Timothy Warburton in Sunday’s announcement. “Our priority right now is taking care of the families of our fallen aviators, and ensuring the well-being of our Sailors and the Growler community. We are grateful for the ongoing teamwork to safely recover the deceased.”
Identities will be withheld until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified, according to the Navy.
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