A helicopter crash off the coast of Oahu in Hawaii has apparently claimed the life of a Buffalo native and Delano High School graduate.
Sgt. Dillon Semolina, a member of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, or “Super Staillions,” was lost with 11 others on Thursday, Jan. 15 during a nighttime training mission over the waters near Hawaii. It is not known what caused the crash at this time, though U. S. Coast Guard initially state it thought a collision between two of the CH-53 helicopters may have caused the accident.
The search for the missing Marines was started immediately on the night of the 15th when the two aircraft didn’t return to the Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe Bay. Rescuers from the Marines, Coast Guard and air support searched for four days, calling off the search on the evening of Jan. 19.
Friends of Semolina’s parents, who are in now in Hawaii, started a GoFundMe page to assist with the family’s expenses of being on scene on Oahu island. It has raised more than $16,000. The couple, who still live in Wright County, said they are “shattered” by the loss of the son, 24, and the 11 other Marines in the incident. An entry issued Wednesday, Jan. 20 states:
Our son Sergeant Dillon Semolina’s last breath was taken in his bird (as he would call it) doing what he loved to do last Thursday night. He took great pride in the Marine Corps and his fellow Marines on his flight line were family to him. Divers have located the aircrafts and are currently looking to recover these precious souls and bring them back to their families. Our Hero(e)s need a place to rest and a proper goodbye.
The Marines report there is a planned memorial service set for Jan. 22 on Kaneohe Bay Base to honor the 12 fallen. The Marines have identified the other 11 believed killed as:
— Maj. Shawn M. Campbell, 41, College Station, Texas.
— Capt. Brian T. Kennedy, 31, Philadelphia.
— Capt. Steven R. Torbert, 29, Florence, Ala.
— Sgt. Adam C. Schoeller, 25, Gardners, Penn.
— Sgt. Jeffrey A. Sempler, 22, Woodruff, S.C.
— Sgt. William J. Turner, 25, Florala, Ala.
— Cpl. Matthew R. Drown, 23, Spring, Texas.
– Cpl. Thomas J. Jardas, 22, Fort Myers, Fla.
— Cpl. Christopher J. Orlando, 23, Hingham, Mass.
— Lance Cpl. Ty L. Hart, 21, Aumsville, Oregon.
“This community has rallied behind us and has pushed us to be strong,” the Semolina family continued. “Words aren’t enough! Please pray we can bring Dillon home soon.”
Though 100 percent of the initial GoFundMe request has been raised, donations can still be processed here: