Two naval aviators have died after their F/A-18 Super Hornet jet crashed off the coast of Key West, Fla., on Wednesday, according to the Navy.
The F/A-18 Super Hornet crashed at 4:30 p.m., and rescuers recovered two crew members from the water. They were taken to Lower Keys Medical Center, the Navy confirmed Wednesday on an official Twitter account. The Navy later said that the two died.
“We are sad to report that both aviators have been declared deceased,” according to a tweet posted on the official account of Naval Air Forces. “Their families are in our prayers. Per policy, we will withhold notification pending [next-of-kin] notification.”
UPDATE: We are sad to report that both aviators have been declared deceased. Their families are in our prayers. Per policy, we will withhold notification pending NOK notification.
— flynavy (@flynavy) March 15, 2018
President Trump offered “thoughts and prayers” in a tweet about 30 minutes after midnight Thursday.
Please join me with your thoughts and prayers for both aviators, their families and our incredible @USNavy. https://t.co/60bHhrp8Y1
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 15, 2018
The crash took place during a training flight and the Navy says it is investigating the incident.
Witnesses told Florida Keys News that it appeared the jet exploded in midair.
“I saw the fire and then it just dropped,” Barbie Wilson, a nearby resident who was passing by at the time of the incident, told the Florida news outlet.
The crew is based out of Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Va.
