Army Identifies Four Soldiers Killed in Washington Helicopter Crash/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The U.S. Army has identified four soldiers killed in a Black Hawk helicopter crash near Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. The fallen belonged to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the “Night Stalkers.” The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with clear weather reported at the time.
Army Helicopter Crash + Quick Look
- Four soldiers killed in MH-60 Black Hawk crash Wednesday night.
- Victims identified as CWOs Andrew Cully, Andrew Kraus, Sgt. Donavon Scott, and Sgt. Jadalyn Good.
- Soldiers ranged in age from 23 to 39 years old.
- Crash occurred during routine training west of Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
- Cause remains under investigation; weather was clear with light winds.
- Soldiers were members of the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.
- Regiment specializes in night operations worldwide with unmatched precision.
- This was the second deadly crash of the unit in recent years.
- Col. Stephen Smith: soldiers “embodied dedication, selflessness, and excellence.”
- Prior accidents include 2023 Mediterranean crash and 2024 Apache mishap in Washington.
Deep Look: Army Identifies Soldiers Killed in Washington Helicopter Crash
The U.S. Army has identified the four service members killed in a helicopter crash near Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Washington state, marking another tragedy for one of the Army’s most elite aviation units.
The Fallen Soldiers
The Army confirmed the victims as:
- Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Cully, 35, Sparta, Missouri
- Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Kraus, 39, Sanibel, Florida
- Sergeant Donavon Scott, 25, Tacoma, Washington
- Sergeant Jadalyn Good, 23, Mount Vernon, Washington
All four were members of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), known as the “Night Stalkers.”
“These soldiers embodied the unwavering dedication, selflessness, and excellence that define the very spirit of the Army and Army Special Operations,” said Col. Stephen Smith in a statement.
The Crash
The soldiers were flying a MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during a routine training mission Wednesday evening when the aircraft went down around 9 p.m. The crash site was located west of JBLM, approximately 10 miles south of Tacoma.
At the time of the incident, the National Weather Service reported clear skies and light winds from the south, conditions generally favorable for flying. Investigators have not yet determined a cause.
The 160th SOAR: Elite Night Stalkers
The four soldiers belonged to one of the Army’s most specialized units. The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, based primarily at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, but with elements at JBLM, provides aviation support for U.S. Army Special Operations Command.
Nicknamed the “Night Stalkers,” the unit is renowned for its proficiency in nighttime missions and ability to operate in extreme conditions. According to the Army:
“They are highly trained and ready to accomplish the very toughest missions in all environments, anywhere in the world, day or night, with unparalleled precision.”
The regiment’s history is closely tied to high-risk missions, including operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and counterterrorism raids worldwide.
Recent Accidents in the Unit
This tragedy marks the second fatal crash involving Night Stalker helicopters in recent years.
- In November 2023, five soldiers from the regiment were killed in the Eastern Mediterranean during a training mission when their helicopter crashed while attempting aerial refueling.
- In March 2024, two SOAR soldiers stationed at JBLM were hospitalized after their Apache helicopter went down during a training flight.
Such incidents highlight both the high operational demands placed on special operations aviators and the inherent risks of military aviation.
Community Mourning
The loss is deeply felt across Washington and beyond. Sgt. Scott, 25, was a Tacoma native, making the tragedy particularly personal for the local community.
Families of the fallen are being supported by Army casualty assistance officers, and tributes have poured in across military circles honoring the soldiers’ sacrifice.
Investigation Underway
The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center has launched an investigation into the crash, a standard procedure following aviation accidents. Early reports suggest no evidence of hostile activity, and officials are examining factors ranging from mechanical issues to pilot error.
The Army emphasized that training missions like Wednesday’s are critical to maintaining the regiment’s readiness but acknowledged the risks.
A Heavy Toll
For the Night Stalkers, the crash is a reminder of the perilous work they undertake. Known for their motto, “Night Stalkers Don’t Quit,” the regiment’s members are highly respected across the military for their courage and technical skill.
As the investigation continues, the Army and the local community will hold memorials to honor the lives of Cully, Kraus, Scott, and Good — four soldiers whose service reflected the highest ideals of the military.
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