U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Ronald Ouellette, of Merrimack

WASHINGTON D.C. – A non-combat accident involving an all-terrain vehicle at a central Kuwait air base has claimed the life of U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ronald J. Ouellette, a Merrimack resident and Air Force Reserve citizen airman attached to the Massachusetts-based 42nd Aerial Port Squadron.

Department of Defense officials said in a statement that Ouellette, 23, died Monday in the all-terrain vehicle crash, which occurred at Ali Al Salem Air Base in central Kuwait.

The base houses U.S. service members largely supporting anti-Islamic State operations in Iraq and Syria.

In a statement issued Wednesday afternoon, Gov. Chris Sununu said that “all of New Hampshire mourns the loss of Staff Sergeant Ouellette, an American hero whose service to our country will never be forgotten.

“It is with sorrow that we have learned of the passing of Sgt. Ouellette,” Sununu wrote, adding that “our prayers are with his family.”

Also issuing statements were U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan.

“It’s with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Air Force Staff Sergeant Ronald Ouellette of Merrimack,” Shaheen wrote. “Today, I join with all Granite Staters in paying tribute to Staff Sergeant Ouellette and offering condolences and support to his family.”

New Hampshire as well as the nation “are eternally grateful for his service and sacrifice,” she wrote, adding that “we have a solemn obligation to always honor the memory of Staff Sergeant Ouellette and hold his family close.”

Hassan likewise expressed condolences to Ouellette’s family, writing that she was “devastated to hear about” his death on Wednesday.

Ouellette “served his country with honor, and represented the best that our state has to offer.

“His service will never be forgotten, and I am profoundly grateful to him and the many other Granite Staters and Americans who have given their lives in order to keep the rest of us safe, secure and free.”

As for the crash that took Ouellette’s life, DOD officials said the cause remains under investigation, but confirmed it was a “non-combat related accident on the flightline” at the Kuwaiti base.

In confirming Ouellette’s death, Col. Craig Peters, commander of the 439th Airlift Wing, called Ouellette “a valued member of the Patriot Wing,” and said “there are no words that can heal the pain his loss brings.

“We consider every Airman, civilian and dependent part of the team that makes all we do in the defense of our nation possible,” Peters said. “The loss of our own, or any service member, is never easy.

“During this difficult time, our priority is to do all we can to lift and support his family, friends, fellow Airmen in his squadron and loved ones who are struggling.”

According to a report posted on stripes.com, the Website for the military publication Stars and Stripes, Ouellette’s death was the second in as many days on the Ali Al Salem base.

Senior Airman Jason Khai Phan, who, like Ouellette, was recently deployed to Kuwait, also died in a vehicle crash. Officials said the incidents aren’t related, and “neither was the result of enemy or combat-related activity,” according to stripes.com.

The story states that Ouellette had served nearly six years in the Air Force Reserve and was an air transportation specialist, “responsible for ensuring the safety of people and cargo on military aircraft.”

His military awards include an Air Force Achievement Medal, an Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, the Small Arms Expert (Rifle) Ribbon and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, according to stripes.com, which cited Ouellette’s Air Force biography.

Meanwhile, a plethora of posts expressing a blend of shock, sadness and condolences to those close to Ouellette have been appearing on social media since the tragic news reached his hometown.

Some posts are accompanied by photos of Ouellette in both civilian and military settings, often with friends, family members and fellow soldiers.

Many expressions of sadness, sorrow and sympathy posted on Facebook are directed toward Haley Burgess, who, according to her page, is Ouellette’s significant other.

“He’s looking out for you while you continue your journey,” wrote one of the many people who posted to Burgess’s page.

“Your Ron is a true hero … may your memories bring you much comfort,” reads another. One post describes Ouellette as “the most selfless man I knew.”

A representative of the 42nd Aerial Port Squadron, the Westover, Massachusetts Air Reserve Base to which Ouellette was assigned, wrote in a post that “Port Dawg Nation,” a nickname for the squadron, “lost another one of our own far too soon,” and urged people to “please keep the family and friends of (Ouellette) in your thoughts and prayers.

“Lost but never forgotten.”

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.