Utah Air Force pilot killed in training accident identified, remembered as ‘perfect’ husband

A Utah Air Force pilot killed in a training accident off the coast of northern England earlier this week was remembered by his wife as a “perfect” husband and an “absolute best friend.”

The U.S. military on Tuesday identified 1st Lt. Kenneth Allen as the pilot who was operating an F-15C Eagle when it went down off the East Yorkshire coast on Monday. The aircraft took off from Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath before it crashed around 4:40 a.m. eastern time.

Allen, who also went by the nickname Kage, was assistant chief of weapons and tactics for the 493rd Fighter Squadron. He’d been stationed at base overseas since February and is survived by his parents and wife, Hannah Allen.

“Oh my sweetheart Kage. I think I could fill an ocean with the tears I’ve cried today. I can’t sleep but I can hear you telling me I need to. I watched old Marco polos and can hear you tell me not to worry,” Hannah wrote in an emotional tribute paired with photos of them together.

“Telling me my emotions are valid and it will work out somehow. I never knew a heart could shatter like this. But I’ve promised you today that the rest of my life will be a tribute to you. A tribute to the Christlike way you lived and loved.”

Colonel Will Marshall, 48th Fighter Wing commander, in a statement Tuesday said he was also “deeply saddened” over the loss.

“The tremendous outpouring of love and support from our communities has been a ray of light in this time of darkness,” he added.

The cause of the crash is still unknown and remains under investigation.

With News Wire Services