TAMPA —
Emily Elizabeth Clayburn, who was killed Monday in an industrial accident at MacDill Air Force Base, “was the girl who could make everyone laugh,” according to her mother.
A staff sergeant, Clayburn, 29, was a competitive swimmer on her high school team in upstate New York who wanted to serve her country, her mother, Michelle Clayburn, said in a telephone interview Wednesday morning.
“She loved the outdoors,” her mother said, and she would spend as much time as she could on Great Sacandaga Lake, near the town of Gloversville, N.Y.
After graduating in 2001 from Canajoharie High School in New York, Clayburn took some time off from her education to figure out what she wanted to do with her life, working various jobs in the rural community.
In 2003, she enlisted in the Air Force, embarking on a career that would take her to Iraq twice, South Korea, Germany and around the nation, according to her mother.
Michelle Clayburn said she kept in touch with her daughter as often as possible.
“We didn’t talk about what she did,” she said. “Loose lips sink ships.”
Clayburn enjoyed returning home as frequently as possible and was a “wonderful aunt” to her niece and nephew,” said Michelle Clayburn, adding that the family was proud of her.
“She was a jokester,” she said, adding that her daughter had a number of nicknames, including “Donkey” and “Reeroo.”
Their last conversation was three days ago.
“Typical mother-daughter nonsense,” she said.
Clayburn’s mother said she was informed by a commander that her daughter was killed after “cargo moved and fell on her.”
The Air Force said the accident occurred about 4:30 p.m. Monday but provided no other details. MacDill said the cause is under investigation.
“The 6th Air Mobility Wing lost a valued member of our Air Force family, and we are deeply saddened,” said Col. Scott DeThomas, commander of the 6th Air Mobility Wing at MacDill. “Staff Sgt. Clayburn will be missed by the entire wing and all who had the opportunity to serve with her. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”
Michelle Clayburn said the family is trying to figure out final arrangements now.
“Her sister, Barbra Bianchi, was 13 years older, and they were best friends,” said Michelle Clayburn. “She is the one making arrangements.”