Tragic Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of Four Soldiers in Washington State

Tue Sep 30 2025 05:09:05 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Army confirms the identities of four soldiers who lost their lives in a helicopter crash during a routine training flight near Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

An MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, resulting in the deaths of four soldiers from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. The crash, occurring during a routine training mission, is under investigation. These dedicated soldiers were known for their exceptional skills, particularly in nighttime operations, underscoring the risks faced by military aviation units. This tragedy marks another somber chapter for this elite regiment, with previous incidents raising concerns about operational safety.

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — The Army has confirmed that four soldiers tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash on Wednesday during a routine training flight near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. The deceased are identified as chief warrant officers Andrew Cully and Andrew Kraus, along with sergeants Donavon Scott and Jadalyn Good.

Cully, aged 35, hailed from Sparta, Missouri, while Kraus, who was 39, was from Sanibel, Florida. Scott, only 25 years old, was from Tacoma, and Good, at 23, was from Mount Vernon, both in Washington State.

The helicopter crashed around 9 p.m. while conducting a training exercise. According to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, the weather during the flight was clear with light winds. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.

In a statement, Col. Stephen Smith remarked that the soldiers “embodied the unwavering dedication, selflessness, and excellence that define the very spirit of the Army and Army Special Operations.”

These soldiers were part of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, often known as the “Night Stalkers,” which is renowned for its proficiency in nighttime missions. With extensive training, the regiment is prepared to execute some of the most challenging missions across the globe, exemplifying high standards of excellence.

Tragically, this incident marks the second fatal crash involving this elite unit in recent years. In 2023, five soldiers from the same regiment died in a helicopter crash during a routine air refueling mission in the Eastern Mediterranean. Additionally, earlier in March 2024, two more soldiers were hospitalized due to another crash involving an Apache helicopter during a training exercise at the same base.

This somber accident underlines the inherent risks associated with military aviation operations, calling attention to the critical need for ongoing safety measures and the importance of supporting the families affected during this difficult time.