Before the first flames even took hold, tragedy had already claimed four lives in the shadowed darkness near Summit Lake.
On the night of September 17, during a routine training mission, a MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter belonging to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment experienced a devastating crash.
Known for their elite skills and daring missions in the most challenging conditions, these soldiers operated in the depths of night, pushing the boundaries of courage and precision.
Yet, even the most prepared and skilled are vulnerable, and that night, the darkness concealed a catastrophe that would leave a profound mark on many.
As the helicopter spiraled downward, it ignited a fire that spread rapidly across the nearby forest, consuming approximately one acre of woodland. The blaze, sparked by the crash itself, became a secondary tragedy—fueling the already desperate rescue efforts and complicating an already grim situation. The flames licked at the trees, casting ominous shadows and threatening to trap anyone attempting to reach the crash site, while smoke billowed into the night sky, visible from miles around. The fire’s spread hindered emergency responders, who faced not only the challenge of locating and retrieving the fallen soldiers but also battling the encroaching flames in the dark.
The helicopter went down around 9 p.m., plunging into the wooded terrain in a remote area of the forest. Despite the darkness and the chaos of the fire, rescue teams mobilized swiftly, risking their lives to recover the fallen. Sadly, their efforts could not undo the tragedy: all four soldiers aboard—the brave men and women of the 160th SOAR—had already lost their lives. The Army later confirmed the identities of the fallen as Chief Warrant Officers Andrew Cully and Andrew Kraus, and Sergeants Donavon Scott and Jadalyn Good. Their loss is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers inherent in their line of work, where high-risk missions are a daily reality.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, as authorities sift through evidence and analyze the circumstances that led to this devastating event. While details are still emerging, the impact on families, friends, and the military community is profound. These soldiers were not just members of an elite regiment—they were individuals with lives, loved ones, and futures cut tragically short in a moment of routine training turned catastrophic. Their bravery and sacrifice will not be forgotten.
The aftermath has left a community mourning the loss of four dedicated servicemen, and the forest still bears the scars of the fire that ignited from their crash. Emergency crews, military investigators, and environmental responders continue to work amidst the charred landscape, trying to piece together the events that led to this tragedy and to contain the damage caused by both the crash and the fire.
Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of Chief Warrant Officers Cully and Kraus, and Sergeants Scott and Good. Their sacrifice is a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who serve in the shadows, often unseen, yet always vital. As the investigation continues, the nation mourns the loss of four brave souls who gave everything in service of their country. May their memories inspire future generations to honor their courage, and may their families find comfort in the gratitude of a grateful nation.
