“This is a devastating loss”

WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) – An Air Force instructor at a military base in Texas has died after being ejected from a plane during ground operations Monday.

Officials at Sheppard Air Force Base said the flight instructor succumbed to his injuries Tuesday after being hospitalized following the accident.

He was identified as Captain John Robertson of the 80th Operations Support Squadron.

“This is a devastating loss for Capt. Robertson’s family and loved ones, as well as the entire 80th Flying Training Wing,” said Col. Mitchell J. Cok, the acting wing commander of the 80th Flying Training Wing, in a news release. “Captain Robertson was a highly respected aviator and flight instructor. Our deepest condolences go out to everyone who knew and loved him.”

The press release did not disclose what may have triggered the incident that caused the ejection.

An investigation is underway, officials said.

Established in 1941, Sheppard Air Force Base is located approximately 20 miles south of the Oklahoma border, near Wichita Falls, Texas.