LEOMINSTER, Mass. — Tributes are pouring in for Captain Ross Reynolds, a U.S. Marine from Leominster, who died along with three other Marines, when their Osprey aircraft crashed in Norway. The crash happened Friday during a NATO exercise. All four Marines were assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261.
[ Leominster native dies in NATO military exercise that killed four U.S. Marines ]
Governor Charlie Baker called Reynolds and the other Marines who died “heroes,” in a post to Twitter.
Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella, released a statement, reflecting on Captain Reynold’s close connection to Leominster.
“Our condolences to the entire Family of Captain Ross Reynolds US Marine Pilot,” said Mayor Mazzarella. “Ross and his family were active in scouting and could always be front and center at all of our Veterans And community events with Ross usually holding the flag. Captain Reynolds to no shock of any of us, became an Eagle Scout. We are a tight and loyal community and stand ready to assist his mother, father, sister, and his wife Lana. Also our condolences to the other families of those other three Marines. God bless these Great Americans and all those who’ve served and serve as they keep this great America ‘Free.’”
The flag outside Leominster High School was lowered to half-staff Monday morning.
In his yearbook photo, Capt. Reynolds listed becoming a Marine officer pilot as a future ambition. Reynolds graduated in 2013 from Leominster High School.
Capt. Reynolds served as an MV-22B Osprey Pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261.
The commanding general of the 2d Marine Aircraft Wing asked people to keep these Marines in their thoughts, and prayers.
“The pilots and crew were committed to accomplishing their mission and serving a cause greater than themselves,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Cederholm. “We will continue to execute the mission while keeping these Marines and their service on the forefront of our minds. We will never allow these Marines’ sacrifices to go unnoticed or unappreciated.”
The Marines will be reunited with their families through a dignified transfer in the coming days, according to the II Marine Expeditionary Force.
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