Yep, usually a delay in releasing the status of a pilot involved in a mishap is not a good sign.
If a search is involved the Navy will often initially invoke a DUSTWUN (Duty Status, Whereabouts Unknown) classification until the situation is resolved.
Also, the Navy by current policy seems to have a 24 hour embargo on names of the deceased after the notifications are done.
I would presume Air Force casualty protocols are similar.
I'm sure you remember the T-Birds horrible 1982 crash at Indian Springs. Today's mishap was possibly in the same area around what is now Creech AFB.