Steve Sax said in a statement that his son, who had always dreamed of being a pilot, was one of the five Marines who died in the crash.
About 115 miles (185 kilometers) east of San Diego and 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Yuma, Arizona, Capt. John J. Sax was among the aircrew of an aircraft that went down during a training exercise.
In a statement published Saturday by CBSLA-TV, Steve Sax said that his son, Johnny, was one of the Marines who died in the crash.
For those of you that knew Johnny, you saw his huge smile, bright light, his love for his family, the Marines, and the joy of flying airplanes. There was no better person to defend our country than him.
The former Dodger said that his son wanted to be a pilot since he was young and would talk about the types of planes that were flying overhead while he was playing baseball.
Johnny was always destined to be a pilot and his passion was to fly, according to the statement. The loss of the Marines will change my life forever.
During his seven years as a second baseman with the Dodgers, Steve Sax won two world championship titles. The team and fans offered their sympathies.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are sad to hear about the death of Steve Sax's son and five other Marines in a helicopter accident. Our thoughts and sympathies are with their families and friends.
John J. Sax was one of the two pilots who died in the crash.
Three crew chiefs were also killed.
The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing is based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego.
The aircraft and helicopter that flew in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan has been criticized as unsafe. It is designed to take off like a helicopter and cruise like an airplane.
The cause of the crash was still being investigated.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
