The U.S. Army has officially identified four soldiers who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash during a routine training flight near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, on the evening of Wednesday, September 17.
The deceased soldiers were members of the 160th Special Operations Avia
tion Regiment (SOAR), famously known as the “Night Stalkers”—an elite aviation unit renowned for executing high-risk operations under the cover of night.
The fallen service members have been named as: Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Cully, 35, from Sparta, Missouri, Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Kraus, 39, from Sanibel, Florida, Sergeant Donavon Scott, 25, from Tacoma, Washington, Sergeant Jadalyn Good, 23, from Mount Vernon, Washington
They were aboard an MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter that went down west of the base around 9 p.m. local time during a scheduled night training exercise.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Preliminary weather data from the National Weather Service indicated favorable flying conditions at the time—clear skies and light winds.
All four soldiers brought years of experience and commitment to their roles:
CWO Cully, an aviation officer since 2013, had participated in Operation Atlantic Resolve and Operation Swift Response.
CWO Kraus joined the Army in 2017 and contributed to various contingency and training missions.
Sgt. Scott, a UH-60 repairer, had deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
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Sgt. Good, a skilled helicopter maintainer, played critical roles in unit readiness and multiple training exercises.
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Each had earned several commendations throughout their service, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
Colonel Stephen Smith, a senior leader of the 160th SOAR, described the loss as a devastating blow to the close-knit regiment.
“They embodied unwavering dedication, selflessness, and excellence,” he said. “As we mourn their loss, we stand united in honoring their memory and their extraordinary commitment to the mission.”
He extended heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and fellow soldiers affected by the tragedy.
Headquartered at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the 160th SOAR is tasked with delivering precision aviation support for the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC).
Its soldiers are often deployed in the world’s most dangerous combat environments, operating with stealth and precision under challenging conditions.
This incident marks the second fatal accident involving the regiment in recent years:
In 2023, five Night Stalkers were killed during a refueling mission in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In March 2024, two soldiers were injured in an Apache helicopter crash during a training mission, also at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
