An Air Force captain from central New Jersey has died in a car accident on a base in the United Arab Emirates, the Defense Department said Saturday.
Capt. (Dr.) Kelliann Leli, of the Middlesex County town of Parlin, died in a “non-combat related vehicle incident” at Al Dhafra Air Base on Friday, officials said.
Leli was a doctor who had worked with the 60th Healthcare Operations Squadron at Travis Air Force Base in California.
The captain was also assigned to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing.
Leli’s colleagues remembered her as a great doctor who was always a team player.
“Our entire Travis family is beyond heartbroken over the tragic loss of our teammate, Kelliann,” Col. Corey Simmons, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, said in a statement.
“We are thinking of and praying for all her loved ones during this unfathomable time.”
“Our Al Dhafra family is grieving the tragic loss of Capt. Kelliann Leli,” Brig. Gen. Larry Broadwell, 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Commander, said in a statement.
“She was an exceptional medic, officer, and teammate here, and her incredible presence will be deeply missed.”
Officials said the incident is under investigation.
