Four aboard helicopter that crashed near Olympia, JBLM confirms
Sep 18, 2025, 6:33 AM | Updated: 3:15 pm
Thurston County Sheriff's Office units arrive at a helicopter crash site near Olympia. (Photo courtesy of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office)
(Photo courtesy of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office)
The U-S Army now says four service members were aboard a Black Hawk helicopter that crashed near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, according to a recent press release.
The crash happened about 9:30 Wednesday night, in the heavily wooded hills above Summit Lake, about 20 miles west of Olympia.
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office was the first responder and says it was a helicopter from JBLM that went down but deputies couldn’t get close to the wreckage because of heat from the fire.
According to Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders, deputies were unable to continue rescue efforts as the scene has an active fire and began overheating their footwear.
King County’s Guardian 1 helicopter has been issued for a rescue operation. Officials with Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) have joined the investigation, providing extra resources.
“At this time, the incident is still unfolding and we do not have additional details to share,” the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office stated.
This is a developing story, check back for updates
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