MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – One of four Marines killed in a helicopter crash Tuesday in California was from North Carolina.

First Lt. Samuel Phillips, 27, was from Pinehurst.

Capt. Samuel Schultz, Gunnery Sgt. Richard Holley and Lance Cpl. Taylor Conrad were also killed.

The Marines were with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing's 465th squadron out of Miramar air station.

They were practicing desert landings when their CH-53E Super Stallion crashed Tuesday in a remote area just outside El Centro, near the U.S.-Mexico border.

The cause of the crash is under investigation

Funeral arrangements for Phillips have not been announcement.

Sen. Richard Burr released the following statement regarding the death of the Marines:

“I’m terribly saddened to hear of the accident that took First Lt. Samuel D. Phillips’ life, along with three other brave Marines, this Tuesday. It’s always a tragedy to lose one of North Carolina’s native sons, especially when he was so young. My deepest condolences are with the family of First Lt. Phillips, as well as the families of the three other Marines who lost their lives in service to their country."