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Jacob "Jake" Galliher, a 24-year-old father of two from Pittsfield, was aboard the aircraft that went down near the island of Yakushima on Wednesday. The bodies of the seven other crew members who were killed have not been found, the US Air Force said Friday.
It's unclear what caused the Osprey to crash, but a witness told investigators they saw one of the engines on fire and heard an explosion before it fell into the sea, the Air Force Times reported.
Galliher, who was a linguist in the US Air Force, leaves behind a wife and two boys — a 2-year-old and a 6-week-old baby, family members said.
Many of his friends posted memorials to him on social media.
They said he had big dreams in life, and he encouraged them to chase theirs as well.
Jake was a 2017 graduate of Taconic High School, where he excelled at sports and in the classroom, the school said in an online post.
Jake was a proud member of the Class of 2017 and was known for his exemplary character, leadership qualities, and commitment to Taconic High School. He was an outstanding student, an integral member of our football program, and an active participant in our school community. Many staff members remember his kind, fun-loving spirit and how much he positively impacted our school. After graduation, Jake chose to serve our country with valor and dedication, joining the Air Force. The news of his tragic and untimely passing has left Taconic in mourning, as we reflect on the loss of a bright and promising individual who embodied the values that we hope to instill in all of our students.
The US Air Force is investigating the cause of the crash. It's unclear when Jake's body will be returned to the United States for burial.
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