Captain Randy D. Roby, 32, of Fresno, CA, was assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force Base near Marysville, CA as a pilot, instructor, and flight examiner for the U-2 “Dragon Lady” spy plane. When his plane malfunctioned during a routine test flight on August 7, 1996, he delayed ejecting to steer the aircraft away from a heavily populated area. His ultimate ejection came just seconds before the plane exploded, with debris from the plane striking him and taking his life. He was just weeks away from retiring from the Air Force to begin a career as a commercial pilot.

A graduate of Fresno High School and a lifelong soccer player, Capt Roby was recruited to the US Air Force Academy. While at the Academy, he was the starting goalie for the varsity soccer team and active with the parachute team. Upon graduation, Capt Roby entered pilot training at Laughlin AFB in Del Rio, TX and went on to become an instructor pilot at the same base.

Captain Roby was survived by his wife, Nina and two sons.