Arizona Governor Ducey has ordered flags be flown at half-staff for a fallen Tucson soldier.
Today, all state flags are at half-staff in honor of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Emil Rivera-Lopez. At just 31 years old, Staff Sgt. Rivera-Lopez served more than 11 years in the military, where he dedicated himself to defending our country and its freedoms. Arizona is eternally grateful for Staff Sgt. Rivera-Lopez’s service. Our state mourns with his family, and sends our prayers and deepest condolences.
Army Staff Sgt. Emil Rivera-Lopez had been missing since August 25 and is presumed dead according to the Defense Department. He went missing off the coast of Yemen after a Black Hawk helicopter crash.
Rivera-Lopez was assigned to the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, according to a press release.
