Lt. Jaime Gustitus, Jaymee Prichard Obituary, Death – Authorities have launched an investigation following the discovery of three deceased Air Force personnel stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. According to a statement released by base officials, the individuals are believed to have passed away sometime between the evening of October 24 and the morning of October 25. The incident has left the base community in deep sorrow as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The three individuals have been identified as 1st Lt. Jaime Gustitus, 25, who was assigned to the 711th Human Performance Wing under the Air Force Research Laboratory; Jaymee Prichard, 33, who worked in the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center; and Jacob Prichard, 34, who was also part of the Air Force Research Laboratory. All three were dedicated members of the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base team and contributed meaningfully to their respective missions.
In a statement released after the incident, Lt. Gen. Linda Hurry, Deputy Commander of the Air Force Materiel Command, expressed profound grief over the loss. “We are deeply saddened by this tragic event, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones affected,” she said. “We stand with them as they navigate this unimaginable pain, and we offer our sincerest condolences to all impacted by this heartbreaking loss.” She also emphasized that the Air Force community is coming together to provide emotional and counseling support for those closest to the deceased individuals, including their families, friends, and colleagues.
At this stage, officials have not provided specific details about the nature of the deaths, and it remains unclear whether the individuals were connected beyond their shared service at the base. Investigators have not disclosed whether foul play or other factors are suspected. The Air Force confirmed that the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, along with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) and other local agencies, are jointly handling the case. These agencies are working to collect evidence, analyze timelines, and interview individuals who may have relevant information.
The investigation’s early stages focus on reconstructing the sequence of events between October 24 and 25 to better understand what may have led to the deaths. Authorities have urged anyone with information that could assist in the inquiry to come forward and contact investigators directly. They noted that all credible leads will be followed as they strive to provide clarity and closure to the affected families and the broader Wright-Patterson community.
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, located near Dayton, Ohio, is one of the largest and most important installations in the U.S. Air Force, home to research, testing, and logistics units vital to national defense. The base community is known for its close-knit relationships, and news of the deaths has deeply affected many personnel and their families. Several base chaplains and mental health professionals have been made available to provide ongoing emotional support for anyone struggling with grief or distress.
In addition to the internal Air Force resources, officials said that counseling and peer support groups will continue to operate throughout the investigation period and beyond. The base leadership has encouraged individuals to look out for one another and to seek help if they are experiencing stress or emotional strain.
Lt. Gen. Hurry reiterated that transparency and compassion will guide the Air Force’s response moving forward. “We are committed to fully investigating this incident and ensuring that the families and co-workers of those we have lost receive the care and support they need during this difficult time,” she stated.
As the investigation continues, Wright-Patterson leadership has assured the public and base personnel that updates will be shared when appropriate. For now, the focus remains on supporting the grieving families, ensuring that the ongoing investigation is thorough, and honoring the service and memory of the three individuals whose lives ended far too soon.
