Body of Marine from Pinehurst who died in helicopter crash returns home

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The body of a local Marine who died in a California helicopter crash last week has been returned home.

First Lt. Samuel D. Phillips' body arrived at Raleigh-Durham International Airport on Friday.

A total of four Marines were killed in a helicopter crash during a training exercise in California last Tuesday. The Marines were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 465, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, MCAS Miramar.

The 27-year-old was a pilot. He joined the Marine Corps in August 2013.