LEOMINSTER, Mass. (AP/WHDH) — The family of a Massachusetts Marine who died in a military aircraft crash during a NATO exercise Friday said they’re in shock and devastated by his loss, and their hearts go out to the families of the other three Marines who were killed.
The U.S. Marine Corps said an Osprey aircraft crashed Friday night in a Norwegian town in the Arctic Circle, killing Capt. Ross A. Reynolds, 27, of Leominster, Massachusetts; Capt. Matthew J. Tomkiewicz, 27, of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Gunnery Sgt. James W. Speedy, 30, of Cambridge, Ohio; and Cpl. Jacob M. Moore, 24, of Catlettsburg, Kentucky.
The men were all assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing stationed at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina.
Reynolds’ family said in a statement Sunday that they are broken-hearted, left trying to imagine their lives without him. They said he was caring, compassionate and committed, not only to his country, but also his family.
“We will miss his smile, his hugs, his laughter,” the statement said. “We will miss his energy and goodness.”
They said Reynolds and his wife, Lana, had so many plans and so much ahead of them. They said they appreciate everyone who has reached out to support them, and asked for privacy as they grieve.
Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella said that Reynolds and his family were always front and center at the city’s veterans and community events, with Reynolds usually holding the U.S. flag.
“Our condolences to the entire family of Captain Ross Reynolds US Marine Pilot. Ross and his family were active in scouting and could always be front and center at all of our Veterans community events,” Mazzarella said. “Also, our condolences to the other families of those other three Marines. God bless these Great Americans and all those who’ve served and serve as they keep this great America free.”
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said “the Marines who tragically passed in the accident are all heroes.”
Reynolds’ decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War On Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
For those who knew him, they say his path to service was his passion. Many said Reynolds was a natural-born leader. He was a Boy Scout turned Eagle Scout and his scoutmaster remembers the moment he pinned Reynolds’s Eagle Scout badge. His service project still benefitting the Veterans’ Center in Leominster.
“The highlight of being a scout master is pinning that on to somebody and Ross definitely deserved it,” his scoutmaster told 7NEWS.
Those who taught him said Reynolds was the kid who knew what he wanted. His yearbook entry from Leominster High School shows his “future ambitions” were “to become a marine officer pilot and have a happy family.”
In a statement issued Sunday night, the Marine Corps said the bodies were removed from the crash site and were in the process of being returned to the U.S. A spokesperson did not have an update on Monday morning about the timing for their return.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but Norwegian police reported bad weather in the area. Officials in Norway said the MV-22B Osprey crashed in Graetaedalen in Beiarn, south of Bodoe.
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