UPDATE: June 13 at 2:15 p.m.
The soldier, who died from injuries sustained in a helicopter training accident at Fort Campbell on Wednesday, has been identified as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Dustin K. Wright, according to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
Officials reported that the Fort Campbell Emergency Medical Services pronounced Wright dead on-site at around 6:35 p.m. Wednesday.
Another pilot that was involved in the incident reportedly sustained minor injuries and he was taken to a hospital and treated. He has been released.
“The entire 101st Combat Aviation Brigade grieves the loss of CW2 Dustin Wright,” said Col. Tyler Partridge, commander, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Div. “A former Infantryman, Dustin cherished every opportunity to be outside and support ground troops. He did so with strength and honor. We will forever cherish the memories of his service, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.”
Wright, officials described, joined the Army in 2010 and arrived on Fort Campbell in May 2022. He was awarded the Air Medal with "C" Device, the Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Army Aviator Badge, the Army Parachutist Badge, and the Army Pathfinder Badge.
According to officials, the accident remains under investigation.
Original Story:
One soldier is confirmed dead and another is injured following an aviation incident at Fort Campbell on Wednesday night, officials with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Public Affairs reported.
A release noted that the incident occurred in the Fort Campbell training area at around 7 p.m. and emergency services immediately responded.
A soldier has been confirmed dead and the other soldier involved is currently stable, officials added.
The incident is under investigation.
On Thursday, Senator Craig Richardson reacted to the tragic crash, releasing the following statement:
The news from Fort Campbell last night is heartbreaking. One of our nation’s soldiers has lost their life, and another is recovering from injuries sustained in a tragic helicopter incident. Our commonwealth grieves alongside the families, the Fort Campbell community, and the broader Army family. This soldier is mourned not just by Kentucky, but by a nation that owes its freedom to the selfless service of men and women like them. We pray for healing for the injured and strength for every service member and loved one facing the weight of this loss. This tragedy is a solemn reminder that the dangers our military faces are not limited to distant battlefields. The call to serve brings risks at home, in training, preparation, and quiet readiness. To the soldiers at Fort Campbell and across our armed forces—know that we see your sacrifice and stand with you. Kentucky is proud to be home to heroes. Today, we honor one of them.
In addition, the Mayor of Montgomery County, Tenn., Wes Golden, stated on social media:
"When Fort Campbell service members are affected, all of Montgomery County feels it—we are one united community. The brave men and women of Fort Campbell and their families are the heart of Montgomery County. They strengthen our community and are more than service members; they are our friends, neighbors, and colleagues."
