Four Night Stalkers Die in Washington Black Hawk Crash During Training

Four special operations soldiers died when their MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed during a routine training mission west of Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state, officials said. The crash occurred about 9 p.m. local time on Wednesday, the U.S. Army Special Operations Command said, and the helicopter was carrying members of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), known as the Night Stalkers. Recovery crews were dispatched to the scene, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation, Army officials said. Weather in the area at the time was described by the National Weather Service as mostly clear with light winds from the south. Army officials indicated they would release the soldiers’ names when appropriate, out of respect for their families.

"Our hearts are with the families, friends, and teammates of these Night Stalkers," Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, commander of USASOC, said in a statement. "They were elite warriors who embodied the highest values of the Army and the Army Special Operations, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten." Army Secretary Dan Driscoll also commented on the loss, posting on X that his heart was heavy and offering prayers for the soldiers, their families, and the JBLM and Night Stalkers communities.

The 160th SOAR’s mission is to organize, equip and employ Army special operations aviation forces around the world. The unit, known for its proficiency in nighttime operations, has earned a reputation for handling some of the most demanding missions across all environments, day or night, with precision.

The incident marks a rare, high-profile loss for the unit. In 2011, crews from the 160th SOAR flew Navy SEALs into Pakistan for the operation that killed Osama bin Laden, a mission that underscored the regiment’s role in sensitive, high-stakes assignments. The unit has previously faced tragedy in other theaters; five Army aviation special operations forces were killed in 2023 when a helicopter crashed in the Eastern Mediterranean during a training mission tied to an air-refueling operation, according to Army officials. In March 2024, two soldiers from JBLM’s SOAR were hospitalized after an Apache helicopter crash during a routine training exercise at the base.

Recovery efforts at the crash site were conducted by law enforcement, firefighters and JBLM personnel, Brig. Gen. Christopher Ballard, a senior Army official at JBLM, said. He added that the response involved coordination with local agencies as investigators work to determine the sequence of events leading to the crash. The Washington Department of Natural Resources reported that the crash sparked a small wildfire, which grew to about 1.25 acres by Friday morning. Agency officials said there was minimal fire activity and that one engine remained on scene to monitor conditions. The crash site lies on land near the base’s western edge, about 10 miles south of Tacoma.

As investigators review flight data and maintenance records, officials emphasized that the safety of military aviation operations remains a priority and that a formal investigation would determine a definitive cause. The Army has not released a timeline for the investigation’s completion, noting that such inquiries can take weeks. In the meantime, JBLM leaders have asked the public for patience as families are informed in a manner consistent with the unit’s protocols and practices.

The soldiers who died were part of a regiment renowned for its ability to project special operations aviation power worldwide, often at night or in challenging conditions. The 160th SOAR’s work includes rapid insertion and extraction of special operations forces, clandestine mobility in contested environments, and the orchestration of complex aerial missions integrated with other service components. The unit’s leadership has repeatedly described its people as highly trained, mission-focused and deeply committed to the safety and success of its colleagues and partners on the battlefield.

Officials cautioned that the investigation will take time and that it could involve multiple agencies, including Army safety offices and potentially independent review teams. They noted that the families of the fallen would be informed with support from the Army and the JBLM community as the process moves forward.

As the investigation continues, the Washington base and surrounding community mourn the loss of four service members who were serving with one of the Army’s most specialized aviation units. The prompt support provided to families, colleagues, and first responders reflects the tight-knit nature of the Night Stalkers and the broader JBLM community, which has faced several high-profile incidents in recent years. The outcome of the inquiry will shape ongoing procedures and training protocols intended to reduce the risk of future incidents while enabling the unit to continue its challenging mission around the world.