2 Killed in Tank Explosion

[jdmcm]

Yes sadly Steve and another crewman on his M18 Hellcat were killed outside Bend Oregon today while live firing. Steve was a terrific guy and one of the first who assisted me as I got into armour collecting. He was always keen to answer questions and lend a hand wherever he could. He loved his Hellcat and was always a champion of operating his machine with the utmost concern for safety. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. A terrific ambassador for the MV community and an all round stand up guy.

Goodbye Steve

John

[jdmcm]

It has been reported today the second person killed in the accident yesterday was Austin Lee. Our condolences to his family on their loss.

John

[Bob Phillips]

From a news story about charitable work with the tank.

StevePrestonM18Hellcat.jpg

[Harry Moon]

I was at the Arlington airshow and Steve was offering paid rides for fundraising for disabled vets. when he was wrapping up he came walking by and invited me for the last ride of the weekend. Enjoyed myself and helped him wipe down his spent blanks after. great guy and I looked up Austin and I recognized him as one of the Airborne re-enactors that come every year. sad, really sad.