Governor orders flags to half-staff through sundown Thursday in mourning for Lance Cpl. Evan Strickland. Courtesy image

From the Office of the Governor:

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham ordered state flags lowered to half-staff today in mourning for Lance Cpl. Evan Strickland of Valencia County, who was killed in a helicopter crash June 8 while conducting a training exercise at Camp Pendleton.

“I am heartbroken by the tragic death of five brave Marines, including Lance Cpl. Evan Strickland, a son of New Mexico and a graduate of Valencia High School,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “Lance Cpl. Strickland had his whole life in front of him when he made the selfless choice to serve his fellow New Mexicans and his country in the United States Marines. My prayers are with his family, his loved ones, and his fellow Marines as they grieve this terrible loss.”

Flags are ordered to half-staff beginning today, June 13, through sundown Thursday, June 16.