Captain William H. Dubois of Colorado was killed in a fighter jet crash in the Middle East on Sunday November 30th, 2014. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff, but the destination of the intended flight remains confidential. A Pentagon spokesman notified media that the jet experienced mechanical problems and was returning to base but was unable to successfully do so. There is no evidence pointing to an enemy attack on the fighter jet however the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation. It has also been confirmed that the crash did not occur in Syria or Iraq. Other information about the projected flight include that the Dubois’s jet was intended to combat the Islamic State as part of the Operation Inherent Resolve.

Capt. Dubois was a graduate of the University of Colorado and of thirty years of age during the crash. There, Dubois graduated with a degree in Aerospace Studies in 2008 at the Boulder Campus. The university Dubois previously attended released the following statement about the incident: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Capt. William Dubois,” said CU-Boulder Chancellor Philip. P. DiStefano. “Capt. Dubois served in the United States Air Force and represented our nation, the state of Colorado, and this university with honor and distinction. His sacrifice, and the sacrifices of the other CU men and women in uniform, are honored by our entire campus community.” The statement by the Air Force also reveals that Dubois leaves behind a wife and family.