Marine Corps pilot killed in helicopter crash identified

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) - The U.S. Marine Corps has identified the pilot who was killed in last week's helicopter crash.

35-year-old Maj. Tyler Braconi died after an AH-1Z helicopter he, along with another pilot, was assigned to experienced an "aviation mishap while conducting routine flight operations" Thursday, October 16, according to the Marine Corps.

The crash happened happened at around 7:05 p.m. "near an unpopulated area of Imperial Gables, California."

After the crash, Braconi and the other pilot were taken to two separate hospitals, with Braconi being taken to Pioneers Memorial Hospital in Brawley, where he later died.

Meanwhile, the other pilot was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, where the pilot is in stable condition.

"We join the family of Maj. Tyler Braconi in mourning the unimaginable loss of a loved one. Our most valued asset is our people, the individual Marine, and Tyler was one of the greats," Lt. Col. Christopher Hart, commanding officer of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, said in a statement. "We mourn the loss of a 'Gunfighter,' brave aviator, and leader that served our nation with humility, strength, and purpose. Our focus is supporting Tyler's family and loved ones during this difficult time."

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.