One of the five Marines killed in an aircraft crash in California on Wednesday was the son of former Los Angeles Dodger Steve Sax, who mourned his son in a statement Saturday.
Sax said that his son, 33-year-old Capt. John J. Sax, was among the crew of an MV-22B Osprey that went down during a training mission. He honored his son, who had dreamed of being a pilot, as his “hero and the best man I know.”
“For those of you that knew Johnny, you saw his huge smile, bright light, his love for his family, the Marines, the joy of flying airplanes and defending our country,” the retired baseball player said. “He was my hero and the best man I know, there was no better person to defend our country.”
MARINES IDENTIFY FIVE SERVICE MEMBERS KILLED IN AIRCRAFT CRASH IN CALIFORNIA
He added that his son “knew he wanted to be a pilot since his young years and would tell his dad what types of planes were flying overhead while playing little league baseball in the outfield.”
“There was never any doubt from a young age that Johnny would be a pilot and his passion was to fly! I am so proud of the man he became and so proud to call him my son,” his statement continued. “This loss will change my life forever and is a loss to not only the Marines but this world!”
Sax, who was from California, served as an MV-22B pilot, and he had been in the Marines for more than five years. His personal accolades included receiving the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and a Letter of Appreciation.
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Steve Sax played in the major leagues from 1981 to 1994. He won two World Series during his time with the Dodgers as a second baseman.
The Dodgers offered the team’s condolences in a tweet Saturday.
“The Los Angeles Dodgers are saddened to hear about the passing of Steve Sax’s son, John, and the five Marines who lost their lives in this week’s tragic helicopter accident. Our thoughts and condolences go out to their families and friends,” the team’s tweet read.
