Miguel Nava

Captain, United States Marine Corps

September 30, 1995 – February 6, 2024

Age – 28

Traverse City, MI

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16 of the 3^rd Marine Aircraft Wing

Died in a helicopter crash during a training exercise in the mountains

outside San Diego

CPT Nava was lost on February 6, 2024 when the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter he was aboard crashed in Pine Valley, California, approximately 50 miles east of San Diego.  He was one of three pilots and two crew chiefs were aboard the helicopter that crashed during a training exercise and was the longest tenured of the five fallen Marines.  The helicopter was traveling Tuesday from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California.   He was commissioned in May 2017 and promoted to captain in November 2021. His decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, according to the service.

Nava grew up in West Michigan and graduated from Comstock Park High School in 2013, the school said Friday. His mom, Lisa Nava, is a longtime employee of the school district.

While at Comstock Park, Miguel Nava was a “beloved student, leader and member of student council,” according to a statement from the high school.

Even as a teenager, Nava had “lofty aspirations” and was determined to reach his goals, said Comstock Park assistant principal Tony Petkus. He was voted by his classmates as “most likely to succeed,” as well as “best dressed” of his class, Petkus said.

“He was so determined to reach those (goals), but yet he was humble,” Petkus told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. “He’s 28 years old and he’s a Captain, he’s an Officer in the United States Marine Corps. You know, gosh, who knows where he would have went?”

Nava also had an enthusiasm that was “contagious,” Petkus recalled.

“He always had that smile, it didn’t matter what the situation was,” Petkus said. “He was positive. He was that leader.”

Nava was also an accomplished student athlete on the football and soccer teams. He played in multiple championships, including the 2011 and 2012 district and regional football championships, and the 2011 soccer team and 2012 district champion soccer team, where he was named all-conference and all-district.

Even after he graduated from Comstock Park, Nava would return to the school to mentor other students, the school said.

“Throughout his time at Comstock Park and into his adult life, Miguel dedicated his time to help, mentor, guide, encourage, and support Comstock Park students,” the school said. “There is no greater example of what it means to be a Panther than Miguel.” Nava did whatever it took to reach his goals.  When he did, he made sure to never forget where he came from.

“He would come back and talk to our freshmen about the opportunities they’re given.  They’re only given once, and you need to make the most of it.  I think that’s that platform. he lived it, and he was able to share that story,” Petkus said.