MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers Wednesday released the statement below following the crash of a F-16 Fighting Falcon in Michigan's Upper Peninsula on Tuesday night.  

“I was devastated to learn last night that a member of the Wisconsin Air National Guard was involved in an F-16 crash in the Upper Peninsula. As search and rescue operations continue, Kathy and I are hoping and praying for the pilot’s safe return. Our hearts go out to pilot’s family as well as the members of the 115th Fighter Wing as they continue working to bring the pilot home.”

The F-16 Fighting Falcon was assigned to the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing at Truax Field Air National Guard Base in Madison. The incident is under investigation. The search for the pilot is ongoing and the pilot's status is unknown.