Air Force Base Airman Identified as Victim in South Wichita Motorcycle Crash

By | April 3, 2024

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Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. McConnell AFB airman accident
2. McConnell AFB airman crash incident

The recent tragic motorcycle crash in Wichita, Kansas, claimed the life of 28-year-old Technical Sergeant Erik Gajate, an airman from McConnell Air Force Base. The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the identity of the victim, who was originally from Gilbert, Arizona but resided in Haysville. The accident occurred on 47th St. South and Woodlawn, where Gajate’s motorcycle collided with a Buick LaCrosse. As an instructor at McConnell, Gajate trained crew chiefs for the KC-46A Pegasus and KC-135 Stratotanker since 2015. A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday at the base chapel to honor his memory.

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1. McConnell AFB airman accident
2. Fatal crash at McConnell AFB

Tragic Motorcycle Crash Claims Life of McConnell Airman in Wichita

On a fateful Sunday afternoon, tragedy struck in the heart of Wichita, Kansas, as a motorcycle crash claimed the life of Technical Sergeant Erik Gajate, a dedicated airman serving at McConnell Air Force Base. The 28-year-old airman, hailing from Gilbert, Arizona, met with a fatal accident near the intersection of 47th St. South and Woodlawn, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community.

Identification and Details of the Deceased

The 22nd Air Refueling Wing at McConnell swiftly identified the fallen airman as Technical Sergeant Erik Gajate, a respected member of the base personnel. Originally from Gilbert, Arizona, Gajate had made his home in Haysville, adding to the somber nature of the incident. The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office reported that the crash occurred shortly before 4:30 p.m., highlighting the suddenness and impact of the event.

USAF Technical Sgt. Erik Gajate (Courtesy United States Air Force)

Sequence of Events Leading to the Tragic Outcome

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office’s preliminary investigation revealed that Gajate was travelling east on 47th St. when a fatal misstep caused him to cross the center line, resulting in a collision with a westbound Buick LaCrosse. The impact of the crash was severe, and Gajate succumbed to his injuries on the scene, leaving behind a void in the lives of those who knew him.

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As a dedicated member of the McConnell Air Force Base, Gajate played a crucial role in training crew chiefs for the KC-46A Pegasus and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft as an instructor at the 373rd Training Squadron, Detachment 8. His presence and expertise will be sorely missed by his colleagues and students alike, showcasing the profound impact he had on those around him.

Memorial Service to Honour the Departed Airman

In remembrance of Technical Sergeant Erik Gajate’s service and sacrifice, a memorial service has been scheduled to take place at the base chapel on Thursday at 9 a.m. The ceremony aims to celebrate his life and legacy, offering solace to those grieving his untimely passing and paying tribute to the indelible mark he left on the McConnell Air Force Base community.