Navy Divers Discover Remains of Missing Crew Member from Military Helicopter Crash off Virginia Coast

Navy divers discovered the remains of a crew member who went missing after a military helicopter crashed last week, leading to the deaths of two others.

The body has been identified as Lieutenant Sean Christopher Snyder, according to a Navy statement obtained by Reuters on Tuesday.

The 39-year-old missing pilot was found one day after officials discovered the aircraft's cockpit. Divers used a "remotely operated vehicle" to locate Snyder's body.

The two other crew members who died as a result of the crash were identified as crewman Petty Officer Brian Collins, 25, of Truckee, Calif. and resident pilot Lieutenant Wesley Van Dorn, 29, of Greensboro, N.C.

The MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter went down during "routine mine countermeasure training" on Jan. 8. Five people were on board when the plane suddenly plunged into the Atlantic Ocean, just off Fort Story.

Of the five crew members, four were rescued from the crash and transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital to receive treatment. Collins and Van Dorn died in the medical center for unspecified injuries, according to Navy officials who spoke with Reuters. The other two were released shortly after being admitted.

Authorities suspended the search for the fifth crew member after combing through 500 square miles of water, citing harsh weather and reduced visibility.

Snyder's family was alerted of the finding on Tuesday, Reuters reported.

"Sean was a man of honor and a true hero, not only to his country, but also to his wife, children, family and friends," they wrote in a statement.

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