LEOMINSTER (CBS) – One of four Marines killed when their a plane crashed in Norway during a NATO exercise Friday was 27-year-old Massachusetts native Captain Ross Reynolds of Leominster.
The other Marines were identified as Capt. Matthew Tomkiewicz, 27, of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Gunnery Sargent James Speedy, 30, of Cambridge, Ohio; and Corporal Jacob Moore, 24, of Catlettsburg, Kentucky.
Reynolds, an Osprey pilot, joined the Marine Corps in May 2017. He was on a training mission Friday. It was not related to the war in Ukraine. The cause of the accident is under investigation.
“The pilots and crew are committed to accomplishing their mission and serving a cause greater than themselves,” said Major General Michael Cederholm, commanding general of the 2d Marine Aircraft Wing, in a letter to its Marines and their families.
“We are heartbroken trying to imagine our lives without Ross. We are in shock and devastated by his loss,” Reynolds’ family said in a statement Monday.
“His smile, his hugs, his laughter will be missed. His energy and kindness will be missed. Ross was so caring, compassionate, and committed, not only to his country, but to being the best son, brother, husband, son-in-law, nephew, cousin, uncle, brother-in-law, friend, and Marine he could be. We appreciate everyone who has reached out to support us during this difficult time. We pray for Ross and the other Marines lost in this tragic accident. Our thoughts go out to their families and loved ones. We share their grief and keep them in our thoughts and prayers. Along with the rest of his squadron, this must now fill a big void in their lives.
“And we pray for our daughter-in-law Lana. She was the light of his life. They had so many plans. So much ahead of them. We are in shock; trying to come to terms with our loss. We ask that you respect our privacy as we console and comfort each other during this difficult time. »
Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella offered his condolences to Reynolds’ family on Facebook Publish.
“Ross and his family were active in scouting and could always be front and center at all of our veteran and community events, with Ross usually holding the flag. Captain Reynolds, unsurprisingly to any of us, has become an Eagle Scout. We are a tight-knit and loyal community and we are ready to help his mother, father, sister and wife Lana. Also our condolences to the other families of these three other Marines. God bless these great Americans and all who have served and are serving as they keep this great America ‘free,’” Mazzarella wrote.
Navy Captain Ross Reynolds of Leominster. (Photo credit: Captain Katrina Herrera II Marine Expeditionary Force)
The Marine Corps said Reynolds has several decorations, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
