The Air Force is searching for the body of missing pilot Capt. Eric Ziegler, who Air Force officials say died when his F-16 jet crashed in the Nevada desert Tuesday. Although the military is not identifying the pilot by name, the Grand Forks Herald reports the family of Ziegler confirmed his death by phone.
The crash took place about 150 miles north of Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, where Ziegler was stationed. Brig. Gen. T.J. O'Shaughnessy of the 57th Wing told the Washington Post the pilot was killed during training exercises, and evidence gathered so far shows he did not eject from his plane before it crashed. O'Shaughnessy says the investigation is ongoing:
The website for Nellis Air Force Base says that while the pilot's body has not been recovered, "conclusive evidence" shows he did not survive the crash.
According to the Grand Forks Herald, the 30-year-old Ziegler had served two tours in Iraq. He leaves behind a wife and 9-month old daughter.
