Iowa leaders are mourning the loss of Maj. Brad Hovey, an Iowa native and Air Force pilot who was among eight people killed Monday when a B-52 bomber crashed during a test flight in Southern California.Gov. Kim Reynolds reflected on the sacrifice made by service members like Hovey, saying his death is a reminder of “the incredible sacrifice demanded of every American who chooses to serve our country.””As we honor Maj. Hovey’s life and service, let us never forget the cost of our freedom,” Reynolds said in a statement.Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Janice Weiner also offered condolences, expressing gratitude for Hovey’s military service and bravery.”I am eternally grateful for Maj. Hovey’s bravery and his dedicated service to his fellow countrymen,” Weiner said. “May his memory live on.”Hovey, 35, was born in Algona and graduated from Adel-De Soto-Minburn High School in 2009. He later earned an aerospace engineering degree from Iowa State University in 2014 and served as a pilot with the 419th Flight Test Squadron based at Edwards Air Force Base in California.The Air Force confirmed Hovey was among eight people killed when the Boeing-made B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff while supporting a radar modernization program. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash, and investigators are working to determine what caused it. The Air Force said the investigation could take up to six months.The Air Force has identified all eight victims, including current and former Air Force officers and two Boeing contractors.

DES MOINES, Iowa —

Iowa leaders are mourning the loss of Maj. Brad Hovey, an Iowa native and Air Force pilot who was among eight people killed Monday when a B-52 bomber crashed during a test flight in Southern California.

Gov. Kim Reynolds reflected on the sacrifice made by service members like Hovey, saying his death is a reminder of “the incredible sacrifice demanded of every American who chooses to serve our country.”

“As we honor Maj. Hovey’s life and service, let us never forget the cost of our freedom,” Reynolds said in a statement.

Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Janice Weiner also offered condolences, expressing gratitude for Hovey’s military service and bravery.

“I am eternally grateful for Maj. Hovey’s bravery and his dedicated service to his fellow countrymen,” Weiner said. “May his memory live on.”

Hovey, 35, was born in Algona and graduated from Adel-De Soto-Minburn High School in 2009. He later earned an aerospace engineering degree from Iowa State University in 2014 and served as a pilot with the 419th Flight Test Squadron based at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

The Air Force confirmed Hovey was among eight people killed when the Boeing-made B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff while supporting a radar modernization program. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash, and investigators are working to determine what caused it. The Air Force said the investigation could take up to six months.

The Air Force has identified all eight victims, including current and former Air Force officers and two Boeing contractors.