Air Force Identifies Airman Killed In Highway 29, Highway 97 Molino Wreck

March 6, 2022

The Air Force has identified an airman killed in wreck Thursday night in Molino.

Cannon (New Mexico) Air Force Base Airman 1st Class Ethan Lilleberg, an Air Traffic Controller apprentice of the 27th Special Operations Support Squadron passed away following the crash, according to the 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs Office.

Lilleberg, age 20 of Atwater, Minnesota, had just arrived in Pensacola and was traveling to Molino to attend a weekend wedding, according to friends.

“Ethan was a deeply loved member of the Wizard family,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Hardwick, 27th Special Operations Support Squadron commander. “He was a bright and funny person, known as the preeminent jokester, who lit up every room he entered. You can’t replace the joy Ethan brought to our organization. He will be profoundly missed. Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends.”

“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of life within our Air Commando family,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Terence Taylor, 27th Special Operations Wing commander. “Our hearts are with Ethan’s family and friends for this irreplaceable loss. Our focus now is to take care of Ethan’s family, friends and fellow Airmen, ensuring those affected by his loss are supported during this difficult time.”

The wreck happened about 7:45 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97.

A 19-year old Molino man was driving a Ford F150 northbound on Highway 29 when he attempted to turn onto Highway 97. He “failed to maintain awareness of southbound traffic” and turned into the path of the semi driven by a 30-year old Pensacola man, troopers said.

Lilleberg,  a passenger in the vehicle, was airlifted to a Pensacola hospital where he passed away. The pickup driver and another passenger, a 23-year old from Glendale, Arizona, were both transported to the hospital in serious condition.

The semi-truck driver received minor injuries. After the collision, the truck jackknifed into the Tom Thumb parking lot and came to rest against the business’s sign.

The Florida Highway Patrol has not released the names of the others involved.

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

6 Responses to “Air Force Identifies Airman Killed In Highway 29, Highway 97 Molino Wreck”

  1. Cindy Coralie Burnell on March 12th, 2022 12:24 pm

    I did not know this amazingly wonderful young man personally but he graduated a year before my eldest son from ACGC senior High school so my boy’s knew him….So sad and tragic

  2. Random on March 7th, 2022 5:18 pm

    I Was There And Watched It Happen . . . It Was the most horrific and horrible thing I’ve EVER HEARD AND SEEN Prayers for the family

  3. Dudley Herrington on March 7th, 2022 8:49 am

    People making a left turn at that RED Light will Challenge Southbound Traffic !!!
    The RED LIGHT at Molino Cross Road has a RED light on turning and that is
    Safe !!
    There will be more Wrecks until the Signal is made Safe !!

  4. William in Beulah on March 7th, 2022 5:59 am

    Prayers for everyone affected by this tragic accident. It doesn’t matter which direction you turn, Hwy 29 is a dangerous road and seems to be getting worse every day.

  5. Swampfox on March 6th, 2022 7:45 am

    I avoid left turns at that traffic light from ANY direction or angle. Death trap and seems no one of any authority cares. If it were up to me I’d take out the light and fill-in the median !

  6. Rebecca Hart on March 6th, 2022 7:07 am

    Prayers for the friends and family of this young man. May God help them heal. Sounds like heaven gained a amazing angel. Thank you for your service young man.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News