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Wednesday, April 24, 2024 81° Today's Paper


Hawaii News

Families hold out hope for return of loved ones

Michael Tsai

As news broke of the early morning collision of two Marine helicopters over waters off Haleiwa, family and friends of the 12 Marines onboard took to social media to ask for prayers and to express hope for the safe return of their loved ones.

Among those confirmed by family to be missing:

>> Maj. Shawn Campbell, Houston. Campbell and his wife, Kelli, have four children. On Friday, Campbell’s mother, Donna McGrew, issued a statement to Houston ABC affiliate KTRK, saying, “Thank you for your concern and for your understanding about our desire not to be on camera at this time. My husband and I want everyone to know that this is not about us. This is about the families that are suffering, and about all the sacrifices that our military members and their families make on a daily basis.”

>> Corp. Matthew Drown, Houston

>> Ty Hart, Portland, Ore. Hart was married six months ago, according to Portland news station KGW-TV. Hart’s mother told Portland ABC-affiliate KATU that she believes her son is still alive and asked people to pray for his recovery.

>> Chris Orlando, Hingham, Mass.

>> Capt. Kevin Roche, St. Louis. Roche’s family issued the following statement: “Capt. Kevin Roche is a passionate Marine who loves his family and his country — and we love him. We believe the Marines and Coast Guard are doing everything they can to bring Kevin and his fellow Marines home safely and we are grateful to everyone involved in the rescue. Our family appreciates the prayers and encouragement we have received as we watch, wait and pray for Kevin’s safe return.”

>> Adam Schoeller, Jacksonville, N.C. Schoeller was married in July.

>> Sgt. Dillon Semolina, Delano, Minn. Semolina had recently returned from a holiday skiing trip in Utah with his fiancee. Semolina’s brother Greg posted the following message to Facebook: “Please pray for my brother and all those involved. There were two Marine helicopters that collided off the Coast of Hawaii and his safety has not been confirmed. His helicopter was one of the ones in the collision. Please let them find him.”

>> Jeffrey Sempler, Woodruff, S.C. In a Facebook post, Sempler’s stepfather Christopher Allen wrote, “The hardest thing in life is seeing a Marine Lt Col, a SSG, and Sgt at your front door.”

>> Capt. Stephen Torbert, Florence, Ala. Alabama TV station WAFF48 reported that prayer services were being organized at Highland Baptist Church in Florence to pray for Torbert’s safe return.

>> Josh Turner, Florala, Ala. Florala Mayor Robert Williamson told WOPP 1290-AM, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Florala’s Josh Turner and all those involved in the Marine helicopter crash near Hawaii.”

2 responses to “Families hold out hope for return of loved ones”

  1. justmyview371 says:

    Why can’t they all wear life vests with locator beacons when flying over water?

  2. AFC says:

    Dear God, please protect these missing Marines and please bring comfort to their families. But I know, as in all things, Thy will be done. Amen.

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