As an investigation into the devastating B-52 Stratofortress crash continues, the loved ones of the eight individuals who were killed are navigating their grief as they cope with the sudden loss.

While military officials have yet to release the identities of those who died during the Edwards Air Force Base test mission, relatives of the victims have expressed their grief.

The family of Miles Middleton, a pilot and Boeing employee, told NBCLA that he was on board the B-52 bomber that crashed shortly after takeoff. Sadly, there were no survivors.

Middleton’s family said they’re unsure if he was piloting the plane, but assured, “If he was in the seat, he did everything in his power to save that flight,” according to Pamela Helfrich, his wife of 25 years.

Middleton was a U.S. Air Force veteran who held a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Colorado State University and a master’s degree in aero science technology from the University of Tennessee Space Institute, according to his loved ones. He served in Afghanistan and received several accolades during his time as a service member.

Middleton is survived by Helfrich, their 17-year-old daughter and their 12-year-old son.

The crash was reported at about 11:20 a.m. Monday at the military base. Details about what led to the crash remain under investigation. Determining the cause could take months, according to authorities.

Military officials said they will release the names of the victims Wednesday morning.