Fort Campbell, KY – The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) released an update on the training accident that occurred on March 29, 2023, involving two HH-60 Black Hawks.
The aviation safety team from the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center has recovered the flight data recorders, commonly referred to as “black boxes,” which have been sent to Fort Rucker, Alabama, for further analysis.
The investigation into the accident’s cause is still ongoing, and there is no timeline for when it will be completed. “The duration of the investigation is determined by the thorough analysis of all factors,” said It. Col. Tony Hoefler, spokesman for the 101st Airborne Division.
The remains of all nine soldiers who died in the crash have been transferred to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, for a dignified transfer ceremony.
Three of the soldiers have been posthumously promoted to the next higher grade, and an honorary promotion ceremony will be held with their families at a later date. Corporal Emilie Marie Eve Bolanos has been promoted to Sergeant; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Zachary Esparza has been promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 3, and Warrant Officer 1 Aaron Healy has been promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 2.
The 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, and Blanchfield Army Community Hospital are providing a wide range of health services to the soldiers and families affected. Chaplains, the Family Advocacy Program, Military Family Life Consultants, behavioral health professionals, and multiple crisis lines are available to provide support.
