A U.S. Space Force airman, 23-year-old Cedric Eneluna, died last Thursday at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County. The incident involved heavy machinery, according to the U.S. Space Force.
Eneluna, a member of the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron's Pavements and Equipment Flight, was operating heavy equipment that rolled down an embankment, the Space Force stated.
His mother, Myra Locsin, recounted the night she received the news, describing it as an "unforgettable night" when four airmen arrived at her home around 10:15 p.m. Locsin wrote on Facebook that she initially believed her son was about to surprise her, but the airmen delivered the "unbearable" news of his death.
Eneluna joined the Armed Forces on March 5, 2024, and arrived at Vandenberg for his first duty assignment approximately five months later. His teammates remembered him as a positive influence who approached challenges with determination and cared for others. Air Force Lt. Col. Seth Poulsen noted Eneluna's readiness to work, willingness to help, and consistently positive attitude.
Commander of Space Launch Delta 30 at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Space Force Col. James T. Horne III, stated that the base is "grieving alongside Cedric's loved ones and his teammates." He added that Eneluna made a lasting impression through his character, dedication, and care for others.
Eneluna, part of a crew known on base as the "Dirt Boyz," was remembered by a teammate, Gage Potthoff, as someone who "ALWAYS had a smile and found a way to be positive." Potthoff expressed his love and that of his fellow "Vandeberg Dirtboyz."
Locsin shared memories of her son, calling him a "very good son" who was loving, responsible, and smart, and who always made her proud. She recalled him thanking her and his grandmother for their sacrifices as he grew up without a father, and his expressed desire to be a better father and husband one day.
Eneluna's birthplace was listed as Bacolod City in the Philippines, and his hometown was Fayetteville, North Carolina. His last social media activity, on July 11, just five days before his death, was updating his profile picture to show him smiling next to two dogs.
As of Wednesday, the Santa Barbara coroner had not officially determined Eneluna's cause of death. A statement from Vandenberg Space Force Base indicated that additional details would be withheld pending the completion of an investigation into the incident. No other individuals were reported injured.
Details regarding memorial services for Eneluna have not yet been finalized.