Air National Guard identifies three victims killed in Tennessee plane crash

The Air National Guard on Thursday identified three service members who were killed in a plane crash in Tennessee this week.

The crash occurred in McMinnville, around 75 miles southeast of Nashville, on Tuesday, the Air National Guard said in a press release.

The victims in the crash have been identified as Lt. Col. Shelli Huether, Capt. Jessica Wright and Senior Master Sgt. Scott Bumpus, members of the Tennessee Air National Guard’s 118th Wing.

“Words can not begin to explain the shock, grief, pain and dismay we feel having lost three remarkable members of our Guard family,” said Col. Todd Wiles, commander of the 118th Wing. “All three were dedicated to the service of our nation. Their families are in our hearts and our prayers.”

The Air National Guard did not disclose details about what led to the crash at this time.

An eyewitness near the scene told a local Nashville NBC News affiliate WSMV the aircraft attempted to return to the airport before the crash.

We are incredibly saddened by the sudden and tragic loss of three Airmen in yesterday’s accident. I ask Tennesseans to join Maria and me in praying for Lt. Col. Shelli Huether, Capt. Jessica Wright, Senior Master Sgt. Scott Bumpus, and their loved ones during this difficult time.

— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) September 9, 2020

On Wednesday, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) expressed his condolences to the fallen service members.