Illinois Marine Among 8 Dead In Nepal Helicopter Crash
A Nepalese army chopper, that spotted the suspected wreckage of a U.S. Marine helicopter, lands at the airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, Friday, May 15, 2015. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
llinois Gov. Bruce Rauner says a U.S. Marine Corps combat photographer from Illinois made "the ultimate sacrifice'' while helping the people of Nepal.
Cpl. Sara A. Medina is among the eight dead who were aboard a Marine helicopter that crashed during a relief mission in the earthquake-hit country. Officials identified the victims Sunday.
Rauner says Medina's dedication to serving and protecting others makes her a role model and "she will never be forgotten.'' The Chicago Tribune reports Medina was a native of Aurora.
Six Marines and two Nepalese soldiers lost their lives in the crash. The UH-1 "Huey'' helicopter went missing Tuesday while delivering rice and tarps.
The wreckage was found Friday following days of searching in the mountains northeast of Kathmandu, Nepal's capital. The cause of the crash has not been determined.