Army identifies 4 Night Stalkers killed in helicopter crash near Olympia
Sep 22, 2025, 7:16 AM | Updated: 7:16 am
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 has identified four soldiers killed in a tragic helicopter crash that occurred approximately 20 miles west of Olympia.
Among the fallen are 25-year-old Sergeant Donavon Scott and 23-year-old Sergeant Jadalyn Good, both Washington residents. Scott was from Tacoma, while Good was from Mount Vernon.
The other two who were killed were two chief warrant officers — Andrew Cully, 35, and Andrew Kraus, 39 — from Missouri and Florida.
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Soldiers killed were members of the Night Stalkers
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm the loss of four courageous Night Stalkers from the 4th Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), who tragically lost their lives on Sept. 17 during a training mission,” Commander Col. Stephen Smith stated. “These exceptional warriors embodied the unwavering dedication, selflessness, and excellence that define the very spirit of the Army and Army Special Operations. Their sacrifice in service to our nation will forever be etched in our hearts and in the legacy of the Night Stalkers. These heroes were not only elite professionals but also cherished teammates, friends, and family members whose absence leaves an immeasurable void.”
Night stalkers are members of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), known as the nation’s premier military aviation unit.
“The 160th SOAR is also known as the Night Stalkers, and they are one of the Army’s most elite aviation units,” Jacqueline Hill with the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office said. “They train to perform some of the most challenging missions in defense of our nation.”
She said they support U.S. missions around the world.
“They were elite warriors who embodied the highest values of the Army and the Army Special Operations,” Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, USASOC Commander, said. “Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The military is referring to the crash as an “aviation mishap.” The crash occurred in heavily wooded hills above Summit Lake, about 40 miles southwest of JBLM and 20 miles west of Olympia.
Contributing: Heather Bosch, KIRO Newsradio
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