3 US Marines killed in Osprey crash in Australia
Authorities have identified the three U.S. Marines who were killed when a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey crashed on Melville Island, north of the city of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) identified the three Marines as Cpl. Spencer R. Collart, a 21-year-old male from Arlington, Virginia, who served as the MV-22B crew chief; Capt. Eleanor V. LeBeau, a 29-year-old female from Belleville, Illinois, who served as the MV-22B pilot; and Maj. Tobin J. Lewis, a 37-year-old male from Jefferson, Colorado, another MV-22B pilot who was also the executive officer.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of three respected and beloved members of the MRF-D family,” Col. Brendan Sullivan, commanding officer of MRF-D, said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and with all involved.”
The three Marines were among 23 passengers on an MV-22B Osprey when it crashed at about 9:30 a.m. local time during joint military exercises between the U.S., Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Timor-Leste. The 20 survivors were taken to Royal Darwin Hospital, where they were treated for their injuries. Three Marines remain at the hospital, with one in critical condition and two in stable condition, while the rest have been released
