The identities of the three US Marines who died in aircraft crash on Sunday during a military training exercise have been named.
Corporal Spencer Collart, 21, Captain Eleanor LeBueau, 29, and Major Tobin Lewis, 37, have been identified as the deceased.
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Twenty-three marines were on board the Osprey when it crashed and caught on fire on the Tiwi Islands.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of three respected and beloved members of the MRF-D family,” commanding officer of the Marine Rotational Force in Darwin Brendan Sullivan said.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and with all involved.
“At present, we remain focused on required support to the ongoing recovery and investigative efforts.
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Australian Defence Force, Northern Territory police, Northern Territory government, CareFlight Air and Mobile Services, NT Health, National Critical Care and Trauma Response Center, and Tiwi Island government, who have come together to assist us in this difficult time.”
Three marines remain in the Royal Darwin Hospital following the incident.
One is in a critical condition and two are stable.
The remaining 17 marines were taken to hospital and treated for minor injuries and have since been released.
Overnight, survivors of the crash attended a memorial held by a local RSL where wreaths were laid and candles lit. Members of the public also attended.