Editor's note: This story has been updated to include the names and hometowns of all of the individuals killed in the plane crash.
The family of Ypsilanti resident Michael Sheets said he was one of seven crew members killed Monday in the U.S.-run civilian cargo plane crash in Afghanistan, ClickonDetroit.com reported.
Ypsilanti resident Michael Sheets was one of seven individuals killed in the Afghanistan plane crash. National Airlines, was recently based at the Willow Run Airport, pictured here.
Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com file photo
Sheets' family issued a written statement confirming that he was employed by National Airlines, the company that owned the plane. The family said that while there were inherent risks involved with his job, Sheets faced the risks to provide for his family.
Sheets had a fiancee, Anna Love, and two children.
The Associated Press reported Sheets was the loadmaster of the flight and responsible for making sure the weight and balance of the cargo was appropriate.
Michael Sheets
AP photo
The Detroit News reported that one of the pilots was Brad Hasler, 34, who got married April 14 at a Detroit restaurant in a small family ceremony. Hasler and his wife, Robin, are the parents of a 1-year-old daughter, Sloane.
According to the Associated Press, the National Airlines on Tuesday evening released the names and hometowns of the seven Americans killed in the crash:
Pilots Brad Hasler of Trenton, Mich. and Jeremy Lipka of Brooklyn, Mich.; First Officer Rinku Summan of Canton, Mich.; loadmaster Michael Sheets of Ypsilanti, Mich.; First Officer Jamie Brokaw of Monroe, Mich.; and maintenance crew Gary Stockdale of Romulus, Mich. and Timothy Garrett of Louisville, Ky.
The seven were killed when the plane crashed Monday shortly after takeoff at an airfield in Afghanistan. AnnArbor.com previously reported that officials have said the National Transportation Safety Board will assist in an investigation to determine the cause.
The Florida-based cargo company, National Airlines, said its Boeing 747-400 plane crashed at about 7 a.m. EST at the Bagram Air Field, just north of the Afghan capital.
National was based at the Willow Run Airport, located in Ypsilanti Township and Wayne County's Van Buren Township, until January of this year. The company relocated to Orlando, Fla.
The National Airlines Family Information Call Center has been activated to support any family members requiring information. The National Airlines Family Information Call Center number is 888-705-7560.
Katrease Stafford covers Ypsilanti for AnnArbor.com.Reach her at katreasestafford@annarbor.com or 734-623-2548 and follow her on twitter.