St. Bede Graduate, U.S. Marine killed during a helicopter crash

Students and staff at St. Bede Academy are keeping a former Bruin and U.S. Marine in their prayers.  27 year old 1st LT. Thomas Heitmann of Mendota was one of two Marines killed during a helicopter crash Monday afternoon.

Investigators are trying to figure out what caused the twin-engine, two-seat AH-1W Cobra attack helicopter to crash during a training exercise at Camp Pendleton, California.

Heitmann graduated from St. Bede in 2002 where he ran track.

Capt. Jeffrey Bland of Champaign was the other Marine killed.