A Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing crashed in the vicinity of El Centro, California, at approximately 2:35 p.m. Tuesday during a routine training mission.
 
Four crew members were aboard the aircraft. The status of all four is presumed dead pending positive identification.
 
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation. 
 
The names of the deceased will be withheld until 24 hours after next-of-kin notification. 
 
All information is contained within this release and updates will be provided as information becomes available. 

-USMC-