US Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet Fighter Jet Crashes Near San Diego

In a somber development, the pilot of a US Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet, which crashed on Thursday night in the vicinity of San Diego, has been confirmed as deceased, according to an official statement from the unit. CNN reported that the pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft.

Following the crash, search and rescue teams were swiftly dispatched to the scene. Regrettably, they discovered the pilot and confirmed the pilot’s tragic passing. This information was relayed in a statement jointly issued by the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina, as reported by CNN.

The statement expressed deep condolences, stating, “With a heavy heart, our condolences go to the Marine’s family during this time.”

The identity of the service member will remain undisclosed “until 24 hours after all next-of-kin notifications have been completed,” as indicated by the Marines.

Importantly, the crash occurred on US government property near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, and authorities have confirmed that there were no reports of damage to property on the ground, as communicated by the Marines earlier on Friday.

An investigation into the crash has been initiated by the Marines.

The F/A-18 Hornet holds a special place as the nation’s inaugural all-weather fighter and attack aircraft, often referred to as “the workhorse of Marine Corps tactical aviation,” according to Naval Air Systems Command.