FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – The Navy confirms the pilot was killed when the Valley-based fighter jet went down in Death Valley.
The aircraft belonged to Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-151 based at Naval Air Station Lemoore.
The crash taking place Wednesday east of Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in a spot known to aviation enthusiasts as Star Wars Canyon.
A park spokesman said seven visitors suffered minor injuries as a result.
“The Navy mourns the loss of one of our own and our hearts go out to the family and friends affected by this tragedy,” Navy Lt. Cmdr. Lydia Bock said in a statement.
The Navy says the pilot’s identity will be withheld until 24-hours after notification of next of kin.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
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