Pittsfield Air Force staff sergeant dies in crash

The Pittsfield community is mourning the death of an Air Force staff sergeant killed in a crash Wednesday off the coast of Japan.

Jacob Galliher, 24, was reported missing after the crash of the Osprey aircraft during a training mission.

One of the engines caught fire and it crashed into the water, according to one of the witnesses.

Japan’s Coast Guard said it has found one body as well as what appears to be wreckage, according to NewsChannel 13’s media partners at The Berkshire Eagle.

Galliher’s father, Jon Galliher confirmed to The Eagle that his son’s body has been recovered.

The Pittsfield Police Department reported on the death on its Facebook page. He was the only crew member found so far. He leaves behind his wife Ivy and two boys ages 2 and 6 weeks old, as well as his family in Lanesborough.

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal also released a statement on the death.

“As a father, my heart goes out to Staff Sgt. Jacob Galliher’s mother and father during this difficult time. Any parent will tell you there is no greater pain than the pain of losing a child, and Jacob Galliher was beloved by all. Staff Sgt. Galliher represented our nation’s best, enlisting in the Air Force right out of high school and committing himself to serving his country,” Neal said in a statement. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his mother, father, wife, and two sons. The Pittsfield community and a grateful nation mourns the loss of Jacob Galliher.”