WASHINGTON — Alexia and Bart Collart faced an emotional visit from Marines in Arlington, Virginia, last week, who briefed them on the investigation surrounding the Osprey crash in Australia last year, which claimed the life of their son, Corporal Spencer R. Collart, along with two other Marines.
To their shock, they learned that their son did not perish in the crash itself.
Cpl. Collart had successfully escaped the aircraft but noticed that the two pilots were still trapped inside. Despite the emerging smoke and flames, he bravely reentered the burning cockpit to attempt a rescue.
The official Marine Corps investigation revealed that Collart “heroically reentered the burning cockpit of the aircraft in an attempt to rescue the trapped pilots,” which ultimately led to his tragic death.
In recognition of his bravery, Collart will posthumously receive the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the service’s highest non-combat honor awarded for acts of exceptional heroism.
Bart Collart expressed that it was no surprise his son would risk his life to save others.
“I heard a song recently that reminded me of Spencer. It had a line about how ‘the last thing on my mind was to leave you.’ I believe that was his way of letting me know he had no intention of leaving us,” Bart said.
The 21-year-old Spencer, a proud lacrosse player from Washington-Liberty High School, enlisted in the Marines on his 18th birthday.
“The Marines are the top of the top, the best of the best,” he told his mother, Alexia Collart. Even without a military background, Spencer was passionate about serving his country and aspired to be a pilot.
He joined a unit where he developed close friendships, particularly with Lance Cpl. Evan Strickland and Cpl. Jonah Waser, as they trained together to become crew chiefs. The trio proudly celebrated their achievement upon earning their wings on April 22, 2022.
The squadron flew the V-22 Osprey, an aircraft with a checkered history, having faced multiple fatal accidents in recent years. Tragically, Strickland was killed in a June 2022 training accident, a loss that deeply affected Collart, who remained in touch with Strickland’s family.
As Spencer’s unit deployed to Australia in April 2023, he reached out to check on Strickland’s family, showing his continued concern and compassion.
In his role, Spencer took on demanding tasks and continued to work hard, earning him a first-class ticket to Australia for his dedication.
During flights, he spent time learning from the pilots, aiming to achieve his dream of becoming one himself. Upon receiving his personal effects after his death, Bart found Spencer’s Marine Corps cap adorned with a 2nd lieutenant’s gold “butter bar” and a set of pilot wings, symbols of his aspirations.
On August 27, 2023, the devastating news of Spencer’s death during a military exercise in Australia was confirmed, along with the loss of Capt. Eleanor LeBeau and Maj. Tobin Lewis.
Following the crash, Collart, who had initially escaped, rushed back into the burning wreckage, believing he could save Lewis. Investigators suggest he may have attempted to unbuckle the pilot from his restraints before succumbing to the flames.
Collart’s family and friends described his unwavering dedication and love for his comrades, appreciating him for his character and bravery.
Months later, Waser, who had served as a pallbearer at Spencer’s funeral, formed a bond with Gwyneth Collart, Spencer’s younger sister. The two eventually married in a ceremony that honored Spencer’s memory, further connecting the families.
Gwyneth expressed that she felt Spencer had a hand in their union, saying, “He knew what we needed after this, and it feels like I got exactly what I needed to get through this.”
