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

WTVD-AP

USMC 1st Lt. Sam Phillips arrives at RDU. (Credit: RDU)

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.

First Lt. Samuel Phillips is seen on the flight deck in Pensacola, Fla. Phillips was one of four Marines who lost their lives in a helicopter crash Tuesday in California.

Courtesy of Eric Pickersgill

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.

A short time ago, #USMC 1st Lt. Sam Phillips arrived at RDU. Last week, he sacrificially gave his life in service of our great nation during a training exercise. Welcome home, hero.

Thank you to the @USOofNC for coordinating his arrival ceremony. pic.twitter.com/7DGuAEBlRo
— RDU Int'l Airport (@RDUAirport) April 13, 2018