Army Names Four Soldiers Killed in Washington Helicopter Crash

The Army has identified four soldiers who lost their lives in a helicopter crash on March 29, 2024, near Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. The victims are Chief Warrant Officers Andrew Cully, 35, from Sparta, Missouri, and Andrew Kraus, 39, from Sanibel, Florida, along with Sergeants Donavon Scott, 25, from Tacoma, Washington, and Jadalyn Good, 23, from Mount Vernon, Washington.

The incident occurred during a routine training flight involving an MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, around 21:00 local time. The helicopter was conducting its operations west of the base, which is located approximately 16 kilometers south of Tacoma. The U.S. Army Special Operations Command has stated that the cause of the crash is currently under investigation.

According to the National Weather Service, the weather conditions at the time were mostly clear, with light winds from the south. In a statement regarding the loss, Col. Stephen Smith expressed that the soldiers embodied “the unwavering dedication, selflessness, and excellence that define the very spirit of the Army and Army Special Operations.”

The soldiers were members of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, an elite unit known for its proficiency in nighttime operations. This regiment is tasked with organizing, equipping, and employing Army special operations aviation forces globally. Their capabilities allow them to execute complex missions with unparalleled precision, often under challenging circumstances.

This incident marks the second deadly crash involving this elite unit in recent years. In 2023, five Army aviation special operations forces were killed during a helicopter crash in the Eastern Mediterranean while participating in a routine air refueling mission. Additionally, in March 2024, two soldiers from the Joint Base Lewis-McChord SOAR unit were hospitalized following an Apache helicopter crash during training.

The military community mourns the loss of these dedicated servicemen and women, who exemplified the commitment and skill inherent in the Army Special Operations. The investigation into the crash continues as the Army seeks to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.