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Four Army Soldiers Presumed Dead After Helicopter Crash in Washington State
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A Black Hawk helicopter crashed in Washington state at approximately 9:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, igniting a one-acre wildfire that initially hindered rescue efforts. All four U.S. Army soldiers aboard, including the pilot, are presumed dead.
the soldiers were assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), commonly known as the “Night Stalkers,” headquartered at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. This elite unit specializes in nighttime operations and is renowned for its highly skilled pilots and crewmembers.
Official Statements and Remembrance
Lieutenant General Jonathan Braga, commanding general of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, expressed deep sorrow over the loss. “Our hearts are with the families, friends and teammates of these Night Stalkers,” Braga stated, as reported by CBS news. he further added, “They were elite warriors who embodied the highest values of the Army and the army Special Operations. Thier sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
As of September 19, 2025, the Army has not publicly released the names of the four soldiers, pending notification of next of kin, according to The Seattle Times.
Crash Location and Unit Details
The crash occurred in a rural area approximately 40 miles west of Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), which is located about 50 miles south of Seattle, Washington. JBLM is a major military installation and a key hub for Army operations in the Pacific Northwest.
The 160th SOAR maintains a notable presence across multiple locations. In addition to its headquarters at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the regiment operates battalions at Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia and Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. This distributed structure allows for rapid deployment and operational versatility.
Recent History of 160th SOAR Accidents
This incident marks the second significant loss for the 160th SOAR in less than a year. In November 2023, five soldiers assigned to the regiment were killed during a training exercise accident in the eastern mediterranean Sea. Details of that incident remain limited, but it underscores the inherent risks associated with specialized military aviation operations.
Black Hawk Helicopter Overview
The Sikorsky UH-60 black Hawk is a twin-engine, medium-lift utility helicopter widely used by the U.S. Army and other military branches. First introduced in 1979, the Black Hawk has been involved in numerous combat and humanitarian missions worldwide. Its versatility and reliability have made it a cornerstone of U.S. military aviation.
The 160th SOAR utilizes highly modified versions of the Black Hawk, equipped with advanced avionics, stealth technology, and specialized equipment for nighttime and covert operations.
