Son of former Los Angeles Dodgers player Steve Sax among five Marines killed in plane crash

Former Dodgers player Steve Sax says his son was among five US Marines killed during a training flight crash earlier this week in the California desert.

Capt. John J. Sax was part of the aircrew of an Osprey tiltrotor aircraft that went down during training in a remote area in Imperial County.

“It is with complete devastation that I announce that my precious son, Johnny was one of the five US Marines that perished on Wednesday, June 8, in the Osprey Military crash near San Diego,” Steve Sax said in a statement published on Saturday by CBSLA-TV.

“For those of you that knew Johnny, you saw his huge smile, bright light, his love for his family, the Marines, the joy of flying airplanes and defending our country! He was my hero and the best man I know, there was no better person to defend our country.”

Sax, 62, explained that his son had wanted to be a pilot since he was young.

“There was never any doubt from a young age that Johnny would be a pilot and his passion was to fly!” Sax added.

“This loss will change my life forever and is a loss to not only the Marines but this world!”

World Series winner

Sax played in the major leagues from 1981 to 1994, winning two World Series during his time with the Dodgers.

“The Los Angeles Dodgers are saddened to hear about the passing of Steve Sax’s son, John, and the five Marines who lost their lives in this week’s tragic helicopter accident. Our thoughts and condolences go out to their families and friends,” the Dodgers said in a tweet Saturday.

John J. Sax, of Placer, California, was one of two pilots killed in the crash, along with Capt. Nicholas P. Losapio, 31, of Rockingham, New Hampshire.

Also killed were three tiltrotor crew chiefs: Cpl. Nathan E. Carlson, 21, of Winnebago, Illinois; Cpl. Seth D. Rasmuson, 21, of Johnson, Wyoming; and Lance Cpl. Evan A. Strickland, 19, of Valencia, New Mexico.