Funds raised for airmen killed in B-52 crash

SHREVEPORT, La. – Fundraisers for the families of two of the eight airmen killed on June 15 in a B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base in California have raised tens of thousands of dollars.

GoFundMe accounts have been set up to benefit the family of Col. Greg Watson, 53, of Haughton and Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, 40, of California. Watson was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, and Estrella formerly served there.

Just over $65,000 has been raised toward a goal of $70,000 for Watson. And $57,615 has been raised toward a goal of $70,000 for Estrella.

Watson was not in reserve status when the crash happened; he was in his contractor role, “so they are currently working out what benefits his family will receive,” wrote Carla Pampe, of Shreveport, a family friend who is assisting Watson’s wife, Michelle, with the fundraiser.

In addition to his wife, Watson is survived by his five children and his stepdaughter.

“As Michele navigates going from two incomes to one, and with two of Greg's children still in college and one on a church mission, Michele is now responsible for taking care of the family on her own. All funds raised will help cover immediate expenses and bills, providing some relief as they adjust to this new reality. In addition to daily living costs, I hope to raise funds to allow Michele to help the kids with travel and school expenses. Please help Michele and Greg's family in this devastating time. Your support means the absolute world,” Pampe wrote.

Estrella is survived by his wife, Brianna, a daughter and two sons. Brianna Estrella’s sister started the GoFundMe on her behalf.

“Gabe was a man of extraordinary character, unwavering dedication, and selfless love. He loved his family above all else, and everything he did reflected that love. Whether he was encouraging his sons, making sure his daughter got time on the swings before a Dodgers game, surprising his wife with treats from restaurants and bakeries after a long TDY so she could feature them on her vlog, or driving hours so his wife could spend time with her grandmother, he always put his family first,” states the GoFundMe.

“He was equally passionate about serving his country. As Brianna has said, he woke up every day excited to go to work. Being a Weapons Systems Officer was his dream job, and he considered himself fortunate to spend each day doing what he loved. Before this flight, he told Brianna that it was a once-in-a-lifetime flight. He was proud to serve and deeply committed to the test flight entrusted to him,” the page states.

In addition to Watson and Estrella, the other victims in the crash include:

• Retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton, 50, pilot, Boeing, Tehachapi, Calif.
• Maj. Alexander Davis, 34, weapon systems officer, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Lancaster, Calif.
• Maj. Robert Dee, 40, pilot, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Edwards AFB, Calif.
• Maj. Brad Hovey, 35, pilot, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Edwards AFB, Calif.
• Jeromy Smith, 32, flight test engineer, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Rosamond, Calif.
• Christopher Rischar, 41, flight test engineer, JT4 contractor, Lancaster, Calif.

The B-52 that crashed

was taking part in a test mission as part of a program aimed at making the 65-year-old bomber fleet operable through at least 2050. The bomber had arrived at Edwards in December after having a modernized radar installed at Boeing’s facility in San Antonio, an Air Force press release said at the time.

The plan was to use the bomber as a testbed throughout 2026 to help military officials decide whether to proceed with the B-52 Radar Modernization Program, the Air Force said.

For almost a decade before the plane served as a testing platform, it was based in Barksdale Air Force Base, where the bomber was the flagship of the 307th Bomb Wing.