Evans, a Naval Flight Officer, had recently made history as part of the first all-female flyover at Super Bowl LVII in 2023, honoring five decades of women in naval aviation. Wileman, a Naval Aviator commissioned in 2018, joined the Zappers three years later and earned multiple awards, including the Navy Unit Commendation Medal and Combat Action Ribbon.

The wreckage was found a day after the crash at roughly 6,000 feet in steep, heavily wooded terrain, complicating recovery efforts. By Sunday, the Navy confirmed both aviators had perished and shifted operations from search-and-rescue to recovery.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the loss of two cherished Zappers,” said Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, the squadron’s commanding officer. “Our priority is supporting their families, our sailors, and the Growler community.”

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee authorized the National Guard to provide round-the-clock security near the site, while Navy teams prepare for a long-term salvage effort. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation.

The EA-18G Growler, a $67 million aircraft derived from the F/A-18 Super Hornet, is the Navy’s front-line electronic warfare platform. It first arrived at Whidbey Island in 2008 and has since played a key role in global operations.