All 4 soldiers believed dead in WA helicopter crash
Four soldiers killed in JBLM black hawk crash
Four U.S. Army service members were on board a helicopter that crashed near Joint Base Lewis-McChord Wednesday night. The Army confirming Friday that they believe all four members aboard the helicopter died from the crash.
THURSTON COUNTY, Wash. - The four U.S. Army service members aboard a helicopter that crashed near Joint Base Lewis-McChord on Wednesday night are believed to be dead.
Generic photo of two Black Hawk helicopters
The crash happened at around 9 p.m. in a rural area near Summit Lake in Thurston County.
In an update Friday afternoon, the U.S. Army Special Operations Command confirmed that the four soldiers are believed to be dead, and recovery efforts were underway.
What caused the deadly helicopter crash in Washington?
According to U.S. Army Special Operations Command, the cause of the crash remains under investigation, though officials are calling it a "mishap".
Who were the soldiers on board the helicopter that crashed in Washington?
Officials say the four soldiers were assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and were part of a team called the Night Stalkers. Out of respect for the families, the U.S. Army will release the names of the soldiers when it's appropriate.
What they're saying:
"Our hearts are with the families, friends, and teammates of these Night Stalkers," said Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, USASOC Commander. "They were elite warriors who embodied the highest values of the Army and the Army Special Operations, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten."
JBLM Black Hawk helicopter crash in Thurston County under investigation
A Black Hawk helicopter carrying four service members crashed in Thurston County Wednesday night, sparking a fire and prompting a large emergency response. The helicopter went down near Summit Lake, and authorities, including the Thurston County Sheriff's Office, were initially unable to approach the fiery scene. Military officials have not released information on the status of the service members or the cause of the crash, which remains under investigation.
Senator Patty Murray issued a statement following the news that the service members were believed to have died in the crash.
"I am deeply saddened by the news that four soldiers in Washington state tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash during a training exercise near Olympia. This is horrific news that no parent should ever have to bear. The men and women who sign up to serve in our nation’s Armed Forces represent the absolute best of America and demonstrate true selflessness, bravery, and dedication to service every single day. My thoughts are with the families of the service members who were killed, and everyone at Joint Base Lewis-McChord who is mourning this terrible loss," Sen. Murray said.
Law enforcement, firefighters and personnel from JBLM will conduct the recovery effort.
"We thank the skilled professionals who are working tirelessly, around the clock to bring our Soldiers home," said Braga.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
The Source: Information in this story came from the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, the Thurston County Sheriff's Office and Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
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