Fort Wayne man among 4 Marines who died in NATO exercise in Norway

(AP/WISH) — A Fort Wayne, Ind., man was among the four Marines who died Friday night during a NATO exercise in a Norwegian town on the Arctic Circle, the military announced Sunday.

Capt. Matthew J. Tomkiewicz, 27, and the other three Marines were 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, the Department of Defense said.

Tomkiewicz served as an MV-22B Osprey pilot. He joined the Marines on June 18, 2015. Tomkiewicz’s decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

A spokesperson for Southwest Allen County Schools said Monday that Tomkiewicz is a 2012 graduate of Homestead High School in Fort Wayne, and several of his family members work for the school district. The family was expected to put out a statement Monday evening.

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. Reynolds also was an MV-22B Osprey pilot while Speedy and Moore were crew chiefs for the plane.

The Department of Defense said Sunday that the Marine Corps assisted the Norwegian-led recovery effort. The deceased Marines were successfully removed from the crash site and in the process of being returned to the United States.

The Marines’ MV-22B Osprey aircraft crashed in Nordland County, Norway, during NATO’s Cold Response exercise, the country’s armed forces said in a statement. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

The plane was on its way north to Bodoe, where it was scheduled to land just before 6 p.m. Friday Norway time (1 p.m. Friday EDT).

A Norwegian rescue helicopter spotted the crash site late Friday and local Red Cross crews were assigned to assist police on the ground, Norwegian media said. Norwegian newspaper VG said Red Cross members drove close to the crash site with scooters and marked the trail with GPS for police in what they described as extremely difficult weather conditions early Saturday. Norwegian police also reported bad weather in the area.

“It was a special night. It was a real storm. There were five of us driving toward the scene of the accident. There was 1 meter of visibility, snow and storm in the mountains,” Red Cross team leader Oerjan Kristensen told VG. “I guess it was a wind gust of 30-40 meters per second. When it blows like that, it is difficult to stand upright.”

Kristensen added that the rescue operation was hampered by the risk of landslides in the mountains, and the remoteness of the crash site.

The Osprey crashed in Graetaedalen in Beiarn, south of Bodoe. Police said a search-and-rescue mission was launched immediately. At 1:30 a.m. Saturday Norway time (8:30 p.m. Friday EDT), the police arrived at the scene and confirmed that the crew of four had died.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre tweeted that they died in the crash on Friday night.

Statements

“Just unreal… so sad. Sending prayers to our good friend the Tomkiewicz’s. Just not fair.”

Brian Dugger, head football coach at Martinsville High School, on Twitter

“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.”

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb

“It is with great sadness we have recived (sic.) the message that four American soldiers died in a plane crash last night. The soldiers participated in the NATO exercise Cold Response. Our deepest sympathies go to the soldiers’ families, relatives and fellow soldiers in their unit.”

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on Twitter on March 19, 2022

“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.”

U.S. Sen. Todd Young, an Indiana Republican

“I am so incredibly saddened that one of our own Hoosiers was lost in a NATO training exercise. You answered the call. Until Valhalla, Captain Matthew Tomkiewicz.”

Destiny Scott Wells, Indianapolis attorney and Democratic Party candidate for Indiana Secretary of State

“I offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Capt. Matthew Tomkiewicz. I am thankful our nation and our state produce heroes like Capt. Tomkiewicz. His service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.”

Holli Sullivan, Indiana Secretary of State (R)

“Praying for the family, friends, and community of Capt. Matthew Tomkiewicz from Fort Wayne, Indiana, one of the four Marines who died on Friday in Norway during a NATO exercise when their aircraft crashed. We honor Capt. Tomkiewicz’s service and we’ll never forget his sacrifice.”

U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, an Indiana Republican

“Capt. Matthew Tomkiewicz of Fort Wayne was one of four Marines who passed away following an accident during a NATO training exercise in Norway. My office is in contact with the Marine Corps regarding their ongoing investigation and forthcoming reports.

Capt. Tomkiewicz devoted seven years of his life to protecting our country, earning the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, before he paid the ultimate sacrifice last Friday. Northeast Indiana will always remembered his patriotism and his willingness to put his life on the line for others. He represents the best of our state and our nation.  

Please join me in praying for the Tomkiewicz family, and please respect the family’s privacy during this incredibly trying time.”

U.S. Rep. Jim Banks, an Indiana Republican

Matthew provided the most selfless, patient and calming presence. He was his wife’s best friend, protector and peace.

He lit up every room with smiles and laughter – bringing humor with his quick wit.

He was humble, dedicated and proud to serve his country. He was a husband, a son, a brother, a dog-dad but also the best friend to so many…

The void we hold in our hearts will be glued back together with the shared memories of friends and family as we begin to accept our new reality.

We send our deepest condolences to all the families involved in this awful tragedy.

He was without a doubt the world’s biggest Purdue and Colts fan and would want us to say  – Boiler Up and Go Colts!

Tomkiewicz family