Twelve Marines are missing and feared to be dead after two military aircrafts collided off the north shore of the Hawaiian island of Oahu late Thursday.
Houston-area Marines, Maj. Shawn Campbell and as Cpl. Matthew Drown are believed to be among the missing. Campbell attended Klein High School and Texas A&M University. Drown graduated from Klein Oak High School in 2011 .
Late Thursday night, the Coast Guard got word that two helicopters collided off the north shore of Owe Oahu during a training exercise. The Coast Guard, Navy, and local first responders searched by air and sea.
Rain, clouds, and high surf have made the search more of a challenge. Waves are expected to reach 30 feet. The only clue searchers have recovered is a small debris field about two miles off the coast. There is no sign of the 12 on board.
There are resources available for Marines and their families aboard the base. The families of the Marines are receiving constant contact concerning their loved ones and the search effort.
The mother of one of the missing Marines released a statement, "We appreciate your thoughts and your prayers, and our hearts go out to the other 11 families that are going through this horrible time as we are."
Campbell is stationed at the base in Hawaii. He's married with four children who also live in Hawaii.
Drown was a loving uncle who took great pride in his service, his brother Sean Drown said in an email to KPRC 2. Sean's email went on to say, "He loved his family, friends and everyone he had the chance to meet. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone he could. We are still hoping for his safe return home."
KPRC 2 reporter Sara Donchey was in Hawaii reporting live and getting witnesses accounts of what happened.