SHELBY, NC (WBTV) - One of two survivors on the C-130 plane that crashed in South Dakota Sunday is expected to come home soon.
As of Sunday night, Sgt. Josh Marlowe, was listed in fair condition at a Chapel Hill hospital where he has been staying for observation. He is now expected to return home any day now.
Marlowe, 28, was the load master and one of six crew members aboard the C-130 plane.
Kim Marlowe, his step-mother, says Josh suffered bleeding in the brain, smoke in his lungs and broken ribs.
"[I] just want him to know that I love him...and we're praying for him to come back home and I'm just asking for people to pray for him and families that weren't as fortunate."
Marlowe says Josh had just returned from a trip fighting overseas when he was called up to fight the fires out West. The mission was supposed to last two weeks.
"He said when he left they were all proud to be going..he loved to serve his country," Marlowe said.
Four others died in the crash. According to a National Guard spokesperson, 42-year-old Lt. Col. Paul K. Mikeal of Mooresville, 50-year-old Senior Master Sergeant Robert Cannon of Charlotte, 36-year-old Major Joseph McCormick of Belmont and 35-year-old Major Ryan S. David of Boone were all killed in the crash.
There will be a private memorial service for the airmen Tuesday morning.
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