‘Dedicated himself to God’: Air Force identifies special forces staff sergeant who fell from C-130 into Gulf of Mexico

“The Air Force is actively investigating the incident,” officials said. “To preserve the integrity of the investigation, no additional details will be released until further notice.”

Condiff joined the Air Force in 2012 and served two overseas deployments in Africa and Afghanistan. He grew up in Spokane, Washington, and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In the Air Force, Condiff was trained as a static-line jumpmaster, military free-fall jumper, combat scuba diver, air traffic controller, and a joint terminal attack controller. He was awarded an Air Force Commendation Medal and an Air Force Achievement Medal for his service.

“Cole was a man with deep-rooted beliefs who dedicated himself to God, our freedoms, peace, and his family. He was a devoted family man within our squadron, focused on teaching his girls to be adventurous like he was,” U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Steven Cooper, Condiff’s commander, said in a statement.

He added, “This is a tragic loss to the squadron, the Special Tactics community and our nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and teammates at this time.”

One year before falling from an aircraft during an Air Force training accident, Staff Sgt. Cole Condiff participated in a heartwarming surprise return at the 2018 All-Star Game.

Condiff and his wife Rachael have two daughters, Charley, 4, and Quinn, 1. His family shared tributes to him via social media.