The US Army has confirmed the deaths of two pilots in an AH-64E Apache helicopter crash during a training exercise on Wednesday near Salado, Texas. The incident not only resulted in the loss of life but also ignited a wildfire in the vicinity, prompting a significant emergency response from local authorities. The Army is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey, 34, was from Killeen, Texas. He joined the Army in 2014 as a motor transport operator before moving into aviation. The soldiers died when their AH-64E Apache helicopter crashed into a field near Salado, roughly 30 minutes from Fort Hood, during a training exercise Wednesday.
His death marks the loss of a soldier who had served in the Army for more than a decade. The crash triggered a wildfire and required a large emergency response.
A safety investigation team from the US Army Combat Readiness Center at Fort Rucker, Alabama, arrived August 13 to lead the investigation. The Army has launched an investigation into the crash.
“Our hearts and deepest condolences are with the families of the Soldiers we lost Wednesday,” Admiral said in a statement released by the Army. He added that the military community would feel the loss and said resources would be made available to support the affected families and soldiers. The investigation will determine what led to the deadly training accident as the Army and the families of Huey and Olmstead mourn the two soldiers.
