Four U.S. Army Soldiers Identified Following Helicopter Crash in Capitol Forest
Four soldiers from the U.S. Army died in a helicopter crash at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Capitol Forest on September 17, 2023.
The MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter was conducting a routine training flight in the Summit Lake area of Thurston County, west of Olympia, when it went down, according to U.S. Army spokesperson Cynthia Smith.
The soldiers were initially presumed dead on September 15, and further details have now been released.
The soldiers were identified as:
- Sgt. Donavon Scott, 25, from Tacoma, WA
- Sgt. Jadalyn Good, 23, from Mount Vernon, WA
- Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Cully, 35, from Sparta, MO
- Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Kraus, 39, from Sanibel, FL
According to Army officials, the incident is classified as an “aviation mishap” and is under investigation.
Col. Stephen Smith, commander of the 4th Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), expressed deep condolences for the loss of these service members, acknowledging their courage and dedication.
The Army career details of the soldiers highlight their specialized training and significant accomplishments within their roles. Their sacrifices will be honored and remembered within the military community. Further information regarding the investigation into the crash is pending.