SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — A Kent County native was killed in a helicopter crash in a remote part of San Diego County Wednesday morning.
Capt. Miguel Nava, a 28-year-old Marine, lost his life alongside four other Marines. While he was born in Traverse City, he grew up in Comstock Park and graduated from Comstock Park High School.
Tony Petkus, Comstock Park High School's Assistant Principal, described the loss as surreal.
"It's just a time that we need to process," he said. "We spent some time with our staff talking about who Miguel was and what he meant to both the Comstock Park community and Comstock Park High School."
Petkus said people shared some great stories and said the experience was important for them all to help get through the tough times and process.
Petkus started at Comstock Park High School as the athletic director. He said that was where he initially met Nava. Nava was on both the football and soccer teams, and his father was a coach for the soccer team.
Petkus said Nava had lofty aspirations, and was voted by his class as most likely to succeed. Out of the 100-125 students in his class, Nava received the nomination to go to the Naval Academy. However, Petkus said Nava was not satisfied with just that.
"He wanted to be great," Petkus said. "After graduating he went on to officer school and graduated from that program."
Petkus added that by 2024 Nava had become a Captain.
He also added that Nava leaves behind his wife and their newborn child. Community members organized a fundraiser to help support his wife and child during this difficult time. That can be found here.
Comstock Park Schools shared this statement as the community mourns this loss:
"We were recently made aware that Miguel Nava, son of longtime district employee Lisa Nava, was tragically killed on a training mission near San Diego, California, when the helicopter he was assigned to was lost. Miguel was a 2013 graduate of Comstock Park High School and 2017 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and the USMC Officer School.
After graduating from these programs, he followed his passion to serve our country and become a helicopter pilot, currently holding the officer rank of Captain. While at CP, Miguel was a beloved student, leader, and member of the student council.
Miguel was also a member of multiple championship football and soccer teams including the 2011 and 2012 district and regional football championship teams, as well as the 2011 soccer team and 2012 district champion soccer team, where he was named all conference and all district.
Throughout his time at Comstock Park and into his adult life, Miguel dedicated his time to help, mentor, guide, encourage, and support Comstock Park students. After graduating from Comstock Park, Miguel would return to the school and speak to our students.
There is no greater example of what it means to be a Panther than Miguel. Miguel will be remembered as an outstanding son, brother, husband, and father! We ask that you please keep his parents Lisa and Javier, his brother Nikolas, a CP graduate of 2016, and his wife Ryann and son Luca in your thoughts and prayers."
U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten shared her condolences with the family.
The five MCAS Miramar-based Marines were on a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter on a flight from Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, Nevada, approximately 350 miles away from MCAS Miramar in San Diego, California. Their helicopter was located on Wednesday morning after it crashed in rough terrain in Pine Valley, located near San Diego.
In a statement, the Marine Corps identified the following victims of the crash:
- Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, of Olathe, Kansas, a CH-53E helicopter crew chief.
- Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, of Chandler, Arizona, a CH-53E helicopter crew chief.
- Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, of Emmett, Idaho, a CH-53E helicopter pilot.
- Capt. Jack Casey, 26, of Dover, New Hampshire, a CH-53E helicopter pilot.
- Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, of Traverse City, Michigan, a CH-53E helicopter pilot.
Donovan Davis enlisted in the Marine Corps on September 3, 2019, and was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal on January 1, 2024. His decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Alec Langen enlisted in the Marine Corps on September 14, 2017, and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on October 1, 2022. His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons.
Benjamin Moulton was commissioned in the Marine Corps on March 29, 2019, and was promoted to the rank of Captain on August 1, 2023. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal.
Jack Casey was commissioned in the Marine Corps on May 16, 2019, and was promoted to the rank of Captain on September 1, 2023. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal.
Miguel Nava was commissioned in the Marine Corps on May 26, 2017, and was promoted to the rank of Captain on November 1, 2021. His decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
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