BUTTE — A Navy pilot who recently died in a crash during a training exercise in California has an early and tragic connection to the city of Butte.
Lt. Richard “Max” Bullock died when the F/A 18 Super Hornet he was piloting crashed during a training missing in California.
“You look at someone like Max who’s a hero, serving our country and tragically killed in a plane wreck while serving this country,” said Butte Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher.
Max was the brother of Jeremy Bullock, who was killed in 1994 in a school shooting outside the Margaret Leary School in Butte. He was 11 years old.
It’s the latest tragedy for a family that’s endured more tragedy than one family should.
“The family has done nothing but give back to our community, and they’ve provided a Safe School Summit, and they're the ones who kind of had the incentive for the Jeremy Bullock Fields. Now, with this tragedy, it’s our time to reach out to them and support them in their time of grief,” said Gallagher.
Max was the son of Bill and Robin Bullock and also the nephew of former Governor Steve Bullock.
In a statement from the family: “Max was an irreplaceable son and brother, and a friend to everyone he encountered. His optimism and energy were contagious, and his love of service to others and his country shone through in everything he did.“
The family added funeral services will be in Montana and will be announced at a later date.
