The Los Angeles Dodgers Saturday plan to honor weapon systems officer Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, one of eight people killed when a B-52 Stratofortress crashed at Edwards Air Force Base in June.
The crash occurred shortly after takeoff on June 15 during what the Air Force referred to as a “routine test flight,” claiming the lives of six airmen and two Boeing employees.
Three B-52s from the base will conduct a flyover during Keith Williams Jr.’s rendition of the National Anthem during the pregame ceremony ahead of the first National League Division Series game between the Dodgers and visiting Atlanta Braves on Saturday afternoon.
“The flight crew will be honoring fallen airman and the Military Hero of the Game, U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel Estrella, who passed away in July from a bomber crash,” according to a release from Major League Baseball shared Friday.
Estrella, an LA native, always dreamed of attending a World Series game at Dodger Stadium, which he was able to fulfill twice, in 2024 and 2025, and was looking forward to a “three-peat” this year, according to an obituary written by his family.
“I am so grateful that they are honoring him,” Estrella’s wife, Brianna, told NBC Los Angeles. “He truly was one of their biggest fans, and with him being an LA native, it means that much more.”
His obituary also said he “loved sharing his passion for baseball with his family, especially taking his daughter to games and creating memories they would cherish forever.”
First pitch for Saturday’s game between the Dodgers and Braves is set for 1 p.m.
