The Puerto Rico Air National Guard identified the nine airmen who lost their lives when a WC-130 Hercules military transport aircraft crashed near Savannah, Ga., Wednesday.
The nine deceased crew members, airmen of the 156th Airlift Wing who collectively had an average of 19 years of service, are as follows:
- Maj. José R. Román Rosado, pilot, is survived by his wife and two sons. He and his wife were reportedly expecting their third child.
- Maj. Carlos Pérez Serra, navigator, is survived by his wife, two sons and daughter.
- 1st Lt. David Albandoz, co-pilot, is survived by his wife and daughter.
- Senior Master Sgt. Jan Paravisini, mechanic, is survived by his two daughters and son.
- Master Sgt. Jean Audriffred is survived by his wife and two sons.
- Master Sgt. Mario Braña, flight engineer, is survived by his mother and daughter.
- Master Sgt. Víctor Colón is survived by his wife and two daughters.
- Master Sgt. Eric Circuns, loadmaster, is survived by his wife, two step-daughters and son.
- Senior Airman Roberto Espada is survived by his grandmother.
The aging military aircraft was flying from Georgia to Arizona, where it was to be decommissioned. Shortly after the plane took off for its final flight, it crashed near the Savannah Hilton Head International Airport.
Video footage of the crash shows that the plane suddenly nosedived into the earth.
WATCH:
The Puerto Rico Air National Guard has reportedly pledged to take care of the families of the fallen. “Taking care of our fallen airmen’s families and loved ones is our top priority,” Army Brig. Gen. Isabelo Rivera, the adjutant general of the Puerto Rico National Guard, explained in the relevant press release, adding, “We are fully supporting them and providing all the assistance and resources of the Puerto Rico National Guard during this difficult moment.”
Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the fatal crash.
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