The U.S. Army has identified four soldiers who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash during a training mission in Washington’s Capitol Forest last week. The MH-60 Black Hawk went down in the Summit Lake area of Thurston County, just west of Olympia, sparking an intensive search and rescue operation before the victims were confirmed deceased. Army officials said the crash, which has been classified as an “aviation mishap,” remains under active investigation.
The victims were named Monday by U.S. Army Special Operations Command. They include Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Cully, 35, of Sparta, Missouri; Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Kraus, 39, of Sanibel, Florida; Sergeant Donavon Scott, 25, of Tacoma, Washington; and Sergeant Jadalyn Good, 23, of Mount Vernon, Washington. Officials said the soldiers were participating in a routine training flight when the helicopter went down. The Army has not released details on what caused the crash, though aviation safety experts are analyzing the wreckage.
For Washington state, the loss is especially painful. Both Sgt. Scott and Sgt. Good were natives of the state, remembered by loved ones for their dedication and drive. Scott, just 25, was described as a devoted soldier with strong ties to Tacoma, while Good, 23, was honored for her commitment and promising military career. Friends, families, and local communities are now mourning the sudden loss of two young soldiers whose futures were cut short.
Army officials have stressed that while aviation training is essential, it comes with inherent risks. Black Hawk helicopters are widely used for transport, combat, and training operations, valued for their versatility and reliability. Even so, the crash underscores the dangers faced by service members not only in combat zones but also in preparation for missions. “Safety is always a priority,” an Army spokesperson said, “but the nature of aviation training carries unavoidable risks.”
Tributes have been pouring in from Missouri, Florida, and Washington, where communities are grieving alongside military families. Joint Base Lewis-McChord officials extended condolences, pledging full support to the victims’ loved ones, including grief counseling, assistance with memorial services, and ongoing updates as the investigation unfolds.
As Army aviation safety experts continue reviewing the crash site, officials say the focus remains on understanding what caused the fatal accident and preventing future tragedies. For now, the loss of Cully, Kraus, Scott, and Good leaves a deep void in the Army and the communities they proudly represented, their service and sacrifice honored by a grateful nation.