A 40-year-old Army pilot was killed and a second pilot injured in a helicopter training accident Wednesday evening at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, according to the Army base.
The 101st Airborne Division identified the slain soldier on Friday as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Dustin K. Wright.
In a social media post earlier Friday, the 101st Airborne Division stated that the incident involving an AH-64 Apache helicopter occurred in “preparation for the Army’s 250th birthday,” the festival and parade being held in Washington, D.C., to commemorate the Army’s 250th anniversary, which also coincides with President Trump’s 79th birthday.
However, in a follow-up tweet, the division stated that the incident occurred during a standard assault aircraft training mission within the Fort Campbell training area. The crew did not directly promote the Week of the Eagles or Army Birthday.”
A representative for the 101st Airborne Division also told CBS News by phone Friday that the training exercise had “100% nothing to do with the birthday parade in D.C.” and was simply “happening while the Army prepares for the 250th birthday date.”
Week of the Eagles is an annual event that celebrates the history of the 101st Airborne Division.
According to sources, the injured pilot was treated and released from Blanchfield Army Community Hospital after suffering minor injuries.
No further information was offered. The situation is being investigated.
Wright joined the Army in 2010 and has been at Fort Campbell since May 2022. He had received numerous awards, including the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Army Parachutist Badge, according to his division.
“The entire 101st Combat Aviation Brigade grieves the loss of CW2 Dustin Wright,” Col. Tyler Partridge, commander of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, said in a statement Friday. “Dustin, a former infantryman, enjoyed every opportunity to be outside and support ground troops. He performed it with strength and honour. We will always treasure our memories of his service, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.”
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear was among those who expressed their condolences to the soldier’s family.
“No matter how it happens, when we lose someone who has committed to serving our country, I know it hurts that family, but it should hurt us all,” the Democratic governor said Thursday.
Kentucky state Senator Craig Richardson, whose western Kentucky district covers the Fort Campbell area, described the soldier’s death as tragic.
“This tragedy is a solemn reminder that the dangers our military faces are not limited to distant battlefields,” added the Republican lawmaker. “The call to serve brings risks at home, in training, preparation, and quiet readiness.”
The massive Fort Campbell post borders the Kentucky-Tennessee border.
Reference: Army pilot killed in helicopter training accident in Kentucky identified