Investigation Of A Military Helicopter Crash In Washington State Is Underway
on Sep 18, 2025
4 Special Operations Soldiers Died In The Crash
A military helicopter crashed in Washington state in the evening of Wednesday, September 17.
The Associated Press reported that a one-acre wildfire was started by the crash, citing a statement by the Washington Department of Natural Resources.
On September 22, the United States Army Special Operations Command provided an update amid an ongoing investigation of the the helicopter crash, stating that all four soldiers aboard the helicopter had died.
The four soldiers who died in the crash are:
- U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Cully, 35, of Sparta, Missouri;
- U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Kraus, 39, of Sanibel, Florida;
- U.S. Army Sgt. Donavon Scott, 24, of Tacoma, Washington; and
- U.S. Army Sgt. Jadalyn Good, 23, of Mount Vernon, Washington.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm the loss of four courageous Night Stalkers from the 4th Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), who tragically lost their lives on Sept. 17 during a training mission,” said Col. Stephen Smith.
Continuing, Smith said:
“These exceptional warriors … embodied the unwavering dedication, selflessness, and excellence that define the very spirit of the Army and Army Special Operations. Their sacrifice in service to our nation will forever be etched in our hearts and in the legacy of the Night Stalkers. These heroes were not only elite professionals but also cherished teammates, friends, and family members whose absence leaves an immeasurable void.”
Amid the initial response to the crash, first responders of Thurston County, Washington, played a significant role in searching for the crashed helicopter and participating in rescue efforts.
On September 22, Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders shared a video to his social media page of a procession escort that his department’s deputies provided as the remains of the four deceased soldiers were transported from the scene.
See the procession escort, here:
In its news release on the crash, the U.S. Army Special Operations Command thanked the various local and military personnel who assisted in the search and rescue efforts following the crash, saying it “extends its profound thanks to the professionalism and heroism of the many who assisted in the recovery of our fallen.”
Involved agencies and personnel included the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, the Griffin Fire Department, the McLane Black Lake Fire Department, the King County Sheriff’s Office, the Lacey Fire Department, the Olympia Fire Department, the Department of Natural Resources, the 2/75th Ranger Regiment, the 17th Special Tactics Squadron, the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron, the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), the I Corps, and the Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
“As we mourn their loss, we stand united in honoring their memory and their extraordinary commitment to the mission. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, loved ones, and the entire Night Stalker community during this profoundly difficult time,” said Smith.
The Initial Investigation Into The Crash
At approximately 11:30 p.m. (PT) on Wednesday, September 17, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office posted on social media regarding its efforts to find the crashed helicopter.
In that statement from the sheriff’s office, it was noted that Joint Base Lewis-McChord, which is located in Tacoma, Washington, had lost contact with the helicopter, with reports indicating this happened around 9 p.m.
Both the I Corps, which is a corp of the United states Army; and the 62nd Airlift Wing, which is a wing of the United States Air Force, are stationed at Joint Base Lewis McChord.
The New York Times reported on Thursday evening that four special operations soldiers assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment were aboard the helicopter, which is said to be an MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
It was several days before the condition of the soldiers aboard was disclosed.
“Thurston County deputies have been dispatched to reports of a possible helicopter crash in the Summit Lake area,” the sheriff’s office stated. “Deputies have located what is believed to be the scene.”
Summit Lake is near Capitol Forest, which is where first responders were seen moving in the early hours of Thursday.
Further, the sheriff’s office said it is “working closely with [Joint Base Lewis McChord] to deploy any resources needed to assist.”
Local news reports from NBC King5 said that local law enforcement was not initially able to conduct a rescue as the scene was “too dangerous.”
According to Thurston Sheriff Derek Sanders, it was so hot on the scene that the shoes worn by the first responders were overheating. Rescue efforts by deputies with the Thurston Sheriff’s Office were then halted because of the intensity of the fire at the scene.
