52nd FW Airman killed in vehicle accident

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SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  Senior Airman Darin Stark, a 52nd Fighter Wing Security Forces airman assigned to the 703rd Munitions Support Squadron at Volkel Air Base, The Netherlands was killed in a multiple vehicle accident, while operating a motorcycle at 3:30 p.m. May 23, in Zeelandsedijk, The Netherlands.

Emergency crews responded to the scene and flew Airman Stark by helicopter to Nijmegen hospital where he was pronounced dead approximately one hour after the accident occurred.

The 52nd FW sends heartfelt condolences to Airman Stark's wife and family, as well as to all of the members of the 703rd MUNSS.

"It is such a shame this happened. Airman Stark's motorcycle hit a tree while he was apparently trying to avoid another vehicle that pulled out in front of him. He was one of our top performers, having been the #1 graduate and John Levitow Award winner at our most recent Airman Leadership School graduation," said Col. Lee Wight, 52nd FW commander. "This is a great loss for the 52nd Fighter Wing and the Air Force."

Airman Stark had been selected for staff sergeant and would have sewn on his new rank  June 1. As a tribute to his performance, his commander elected to posthumously promote him to the rank of staff sergeant, effective the date of his death.

The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.