Tech. Sgt. Richard Padilla, 37, was killed when 48-year-old Jeremiah Lewis Bailey intentionally struck him as he was walking on Interbay Boulevard, Tampa police and the U.S. Air Force said.
Padilla was with the 24th Rapid Deployment Squadron of the 24th Special Operations Wing, according to an Air Force news release.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic loss of Richie,” Lt. Col. Michael Biederman, 24th RDS commander, said in statement. “He embodied what it meant to be a warrior. Our deepest sympathies are with Richie’s family and friends as we all mourn the loss of our teammate, mentor, and friend.”
“Team MacDill is mourning the loss of another teammate taken from us too soon,” Col. Ed Szczepanik, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, said in the release. “All of our thoughts are with Tech. Sgt. Padilla’s family and friends. Support agencies, chaplains, first sergeants and leadership teams are here for all who need assistance as we navigate this time of sorrow.
