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Gov. Mark Gordon on Friday ordered flags to fly at half-staff through Monday evening in honor of a U.S. Marine from Wyoming who was killed on Wednesday.
U.S. Marine Seth Rasmuson of Buffalo was one of five Marines killed when an Osprey helicopter crashed in the desert near the border between California and Arizona.
“Jennie and I are heartbroken over the death of Seth Rasmuson, a Marine from my hometown of Buffalo,” Gordon said on Friday.
“Our hearts go out to the Rasmuson family and the entire Buffalo community,” he said.
Rasmuson graduated from Buffalo High School in 2019. He leaves behind his wife with whom he graduated and a 7-month-old son.
He received many commendations including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
His father Curtis Rasmuson told the Orange County Register that Seth returned to Buffalo recently to attend his brother’s graduation.
Wyoming’s congressional delegation all put out statements expressing sympathy for the loss.
“My deepest condolences go out to the family of Buffalo’s Seth Rasmuson & the other Marines involved in this tragic accident,” U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney said.
“Seth’s service to our country will never be forgotten. Please join me in praying for Seth’s loved ones as they grieve his loss,” she said.
U.S. Sen. John Barrasso issued a statement Thursday night stating he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the accident.
“There is certainly more to learn about what happened yesterday, and much more we need to hear about his life and service to our country. Today, we mourn this tragic loss. Bobbi and I are holding Seth and his family in our prayers,” Barrasso said.
U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, in a statement sent to Cowboy State Daily, on Friday echoed Barrasso’s sympathies.
“I am saddened to learn of the tragic loss of U.S. Marine and Buffalo native Seth Rasmuson,” Lummis said. “I am praying for comfort over his friends and family as they mourn. I take solace in Psalm 34:18, ‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’”
The Marines were participating in a routine live-fire training over their gunnery range in the Imperial Valley desert, said Marine Maj. Mason Englehart, spokesperson for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
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