Two Navy aviators dead after last week's Growler crash near Mount Rainier

The two aviators who were missing after a Navy Growler crashed east of Mount Rainier last week have died, officials said Sunday.

The announcement comes five days after the EA-18G Growler crashed Tuesday afternoon near White Pass during a training flight. Authorities located the wreckage a day later.

No information was immediately provided about whether the aviators' remains had been found.

Based in Oak Harbor, on Whidbey Island, the pair belonged to Electronic Attack Squadron 130, known as the "Zappers."

"It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of two beloved Zappers," said Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, commanding officer of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, in a statement. "Our priority right now is taking care of the families of our fallen aviators, and ensuring the well-being of our Sailors and the Growler community. We are grateful for the ongoing teamwork to safely recover the deceased."

The search efforts shifted from a rescue to a recovery effort Sunday morning, according to a news release. The Navy will release the identities of the two aviators 24 hours after their next of kin are notified

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

The jet crashed around 3:23 p.m. Tuesday, the Navy said. Aerial crews found the wreckage Wednesday but the "mountainous terrain, cloudy weather, and low visibility," complicated the search, according to Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. Navy search crews were able to reach the crash site Friday.

The search near Goose Prairie, Yakima County, involved an expansive area as personnel evaluated debris in the snow-covered wilderness, according to the Navy. Several law enforcement agencies, including the Navy, Army and Yakima County tribal and local authorities, were involved with the search.

EA-18G Growlers are fighter jets built by Boeing. The aircraft is part of the F/A-18 Super Hornet family and specializes in electronic warfare, according to the Navy website. The two-person jets are equipped with missiles and cost $67 million.