First victim of B-52 Stratofortress horror crash identified as friend reveals how family is coping
The first victim of the catastrophic crash of a B-52 Stratofortress at Edwards Air Force Base has been identified as Lt.Col. Miles Middleton, a decorated test pilot.“Pam Middleton and her two children are facing an unimaginable loss after Pam’s husband, Miles, was tragically killed in the crash of the B-52 at Edwards Airforce base,” a family friend said.Middleton had commanded the 419th Flight Test Squadron at the base in 2016 until 2018.
The squadron oversees the Global Power Bomber Combined Test Force, which is responsible for testing some of the military’s most powerful aircraft.Photos released by the base showed Middleton accepting the squadron guidon from Col.Scott Cain, commander of the 412th Operations Group, during a June 10 change-of-command ceremony.A GoFundMe painted a heartbreaking picture of the challenges now facing Middleton’s widow, Pam, and the couple’s two children —a boy and a girl.“With Miles gone, Pam is now responsible for supporting her family on her own,” the organizer wrote.
“The 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, as a community we hope to raise funds for the children’s college, so they can look forward to a brighter future despite the heartbreak they are experiencing,” the friend wrote.As of Tuesday morning, the appeal had raised a little over $25,000 of its $45,000 goal.
Edward’s base has not formally identified any of the eight victims.The Post has reached out to them for comment.The appeal concluded with a plea for support.
“Together, we can show Pam and her family that they are not alone, and that their community stands beside them.”Middleton was among eight people who died after the bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards at about 11:20 a.m.Monday.
The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is an American nuclear-capable subsonic jet-powered strategic bomber.A massive plume of b...