Four U.S. Army soldiers tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash during a routine training exercise near Summit Lake, Thurston County, Washington. The incident involved an MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and happened west of Olympia. Officials have classified the accident as an “aviation mishap,” and an investigation is currently underway to determine the cause.
The soldiers were identified as U.S. Army Sgt. Donavon Scott, 25, from Tacoma, U.S. Army Sgt. Jadalyn Good, 23, from Mount Vernon, U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Cully, 35, from Sparta, Missouri, and U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Kraus, 39, from Sanibel, Florida. Their loss has been felt deeply within the military community and beyond.
Each soldier had a distinguished record of service:
– Sgt. Jadalyn Good joined the Army in 2021 and served as a helicopter maintainer and crew chief, garnering over 730 flight hours. Her service was recognized with multiple commendations, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Good Conduct Medal.
– Sgt. Donavon Scott enlisted as a UH-60 Helicopter Repairer and accumulated over 776 flying hours as a crew chief. He participated in two missions supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, earning distinctions such as the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Achievement Medal.
– Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Cully began his military career as an aviation officer before becoming a warrant officer and served as a UH-60M Black Hawk pilot. He had deployments supporting Operations Atlantic Resolve and Swift Response and was honored with multiple awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal.
– Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Kraus had a multifaceted career, initially serving in the U.S. Marine Corps before transitioning to the Army. As an aeromedical evacuation pilot, he played a crucial role in medical missions in Germany and continued to serve with distinction in the 160th SOAR.
Col. Stephen Smith, commander of the 4th Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), expressed profound sorrow over the loss of these soldiers, acknowledging their commitment, courage, and the indelible impact they made on both the military community and their personal connections.
The tragedy has underscored the inherent risks faced by service members during training operations, which are essential for maintaining readiness and effectiveness in service to the nation. The loss of these four soldiers is a somber reminder of their unwavering dedication and the sacrifices made by military personnel in defense of their country.