Memorial set for March 3 to honor west Michigan Marine killed in helicopter crash
Jakkar AimeryA celebration of life to honor a U.S. Marine from Kent County is scheduled for March 3 after he and four service members were killed this month in a helicopter crash near San Diego after a training exercise, officials said.
The gathering was announced by officials at Comstock Park High School, from which Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, graduated in 2013. It will honor the "remarkable life Miguel led," school officials said Thursday.
Tony Petkus, assistant principal of the high school, said relatives, friends and the community can "share stories and memories and find comfort in the knowledge that Miguel lived a life of purpose and made a significant impact on the lives he touched."
"The celebration is not just about mourning the loss but also about honoring and remembering the remarkable life Miguel led," Petkus said. "He embodied the principles of the Marines — loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.
"...He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and remind us of the importance of service to others."
More: Michigan Marine among 5 killed in California helicopter crash
The memorial is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the high school, 150 Six Mile Road NE in Comstock Park, about 7.5 miles north of Grand Rapids. Doors open at 1:15 p.m.
Nava, a CH-53E pilot, was among five service members killed Feb. 6, Marine Corps officials said. They were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. They were based at the Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar, San Diego, California.
Authorities said the CH-53E Super Stallion vanished late Tuesday while returning to the air station after training at Creech Air Force Base, northwest of Las Vegas. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Nava was commissioned in the corps on May 26, 2017, and was promoted to the rank of captain on Nov. 1, 2021. His decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
He is survived by his wife, Ryann; 5-month-old son, Luca; brother, Nikolas; and parents Lisa and Javier Nava, school officials said.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested making a donation in Nava's honor to the Travis Manion Foundation. The foundation, according to nrd.gov, "Provides opportunities for veterans and family members of fallen heroes to go on service-based trips while connecting, building relationships, and working together to serve with the selflessness of those lost."
Also killed in the crash were Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, of Olathe, Kansas, a CH-53E helicopter crew chief; Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, of Chandler, Arizona, a CH-53E helicopter crew chief; Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, of Emmett, Idaho, a CH-53E helicopter pilot; and Capt. Jack Casey, 26, of Dover, New Hampshire, a CH-53E helicopter pilot.
jaimery@detroitnews.com