Air Force First Lieutenant Randolph Edward Murff, 26, of Bellaire, Texas, was an F-16 pilot assigned to the 35th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Wing, at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea. He died on June 12, 2001, when his F-16C crashed approximately 40 miles southeast of Kunsan during a nighttime training mission. 1stLt Murff had accumulated approximately 260 hours in the F-16.

1stLt Murff graduated from Bellaire High School in 1993, where he excelled in baseball, football and track. He attended Columbia University, lettered in football for four years and served as a senior team captain. After deciding that he wanted to become an Air Force pilot, he earned his private pilot’s license. Initially considered too large to fit safely into a fighter cockpit, the former 310-pound offensive lineman lost more than 100 pounds within months to qualify for flight training. He entered the Air Force through Officer Training School and ultimately achieved his goal of flying the F-16.

1stLt Murff’s father recalled his unwavering determination: “He wanted the F-16. That’s the thing he wanted from day one.” Friends remembered his infectious smile, optimism, kindness and enthusiasm for life.

He was survived by his father, mother, brother and sister.