First victim of B-52 Stratofortress horror crash identified -- as friend reveals how family is coping

The identification of the first victim marks a sobering milestone in the Edwards Air Force Base B-52 crash. Lieutenant Colonel Miles Middleton, a decorated test pilot and commander of the 419th Flight Test Squadron, died in the incident. The eight-person crew included military personnel, civilian government employees, and contractors. Middleton’s family faces unimaginable grief, while community members rally around them. GoFundMe contributions reached about $25,000 of a $45,000 goal as of Tuesday morning to support Middleton’s widow and two children. Base officials called the crash not survivable and said investigators are just beginning. Middleton had recently assumed command during a change-of-command ceremony on June 10. Investigators expect months to determine the cause as the B-52 performed a routine test flight at Edwards.