FT WAYNE, Ind.–Capt. Matthew J. Tomkiewicz, 27, was one of four Marines killed in a crash during war games on the Arctic Circle in Norway Friday night, the Pentagon confirmed Sunday.
Tomkiewicz, who had been a Marine since 2015, was assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing from Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina, said the Department of Defense.
Tomkiewicz was an MV-22B Osprey pilot, who had earned the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
The Marines were killed when the Osprey craft they were in crashed. The cause of the crash is still being investigated.
“Janet and I send our sincere condolences to Captain Matthew Tomkiewicz’s family and friends, especially in the tough days ahead. We ask all Hoosiers to surround the family with love and never-ending appreciation for all Captain Tomkiewicz gave to our state and nation,” said Gov. Eric Holcomb, upon learning of the captain’s death Sunday.
Sen. Todd Young also expressed condolences.
“We mourn the loss of four Marines who tragically perished during a training exercise in Norway, including Capt. Matthew Tomkiewicz of Fort Wayne. We will never forget their sacrifice and service, and I offer my deepest condolences to their loved ones,” he said on Twitter.
The other three Marines who died are Capt. Ross A. Reynolds, 27, of Leominster, Mass.; Gunnery Sgt. James W. Speedy, 30, of Cambridge, Ohio; and Cpl. Jacob M. Moore, 24, of Catlettsburg, Ky.
The Marines were removed from the crash debris and their bodies are being returned to the United States.
