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“You had always made me proud,” Cedric Eneluna’s grieving mom wrote
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A 23-year-old serviceman was killed at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, Calif., on Thursday, July 16
No other personnel were hurt in the accident that involved heavy equipment
“Our Vandenberg family is grieving alongside Cedric’s loved ones and his teammates,” said U.S. Space Force Col. James T. Horne III
A 23-year-old airman is dead after he was involved in a heavy equipment accident at a Space Force base in Southern California.
On Thursday, July 16, Airman 1st Class Cedric Eneluna was killed when the machinery he was operating rolled down an embankment at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, the U.S. Space Force confirmed in a statement. No other people were injured in the incident, and an investigation into the young man’s death is underway.
The Coroner’s Bureau at the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
The 23-year-old was born in the Philippines and later moved to North Carolina with his family, according to officials. In March 2024, he joined the military and arrived at Vandenberg in August for his first duty assignment.
Eneluna was known for his dedication and professionalism, and quickly earned respect for his positivity and work ethic. He was a member of the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron’s Pavements and Equipment Flight, or “Dirty Boyz” as they’re called, who help maintain the infrastructure that enables the base’s launch, test and range operations.
“Their work is essential to enabling the installation’s mission in support of national security,” officials said.
Eneluna’s mother, Myra Locsin, shared in a post on social media that she learned of his death when four servicemen appeared at her door.
“I thought you were hiding behind them to surprise me but it was the moment that any parent didn’t want to experience,” Locsin wrote. “They carried a news that was unbearable.”
“I love you Son!” the grieving mother continued. “You had been a very good son. Loving, responsible and smart kid. You had always made me proud.”
For now, officials will not release further details until the investigation is complete. That information will be shared in accordance with Department of the Air Force policy.
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“Our Vandenberg family is grieving alongside Cedric’s loved ones and his teammates,” said U.S. Space Force Col. James T. Horne III.
“He made a lasting impression on his teammates through his character, dedication, and genuine care for others,” the commander of Space Launch Delta 30 and Vandenberg Space Force Base added. “On behalf of Team Vandenberg, I extend my deepest condolences to Cedric’s family, friends, and fellow Airmen during this incredibly difficult time.”
Read the original article on People
