Sixth servicemember dies after UH-60 Black Hawk crash

  • Published
  • By Staff Reports
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  A sixth U.S. servicemember died Thursday evening of injuries sustained when a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter attached to 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment crashed at approximately noon Nov. 8, 22 miles southwest of Aviano. This brings the number of deaths to six servicemembers. 

Eleven U.S. Airmen and Soldiers were on board the aircraft, four Army crew members and seven Airmen as passengers. 

This was a training flight that also afforded Airmen the opportunity to gain a better understanding of joint operations and to perform a reenlistment ceremony. 

The names of the victims are being withheld until notification of next of kin has been completed. When appropriate, names will be released by the individual services. The cause of the crash is under investigation. 

"I ask you to keep our Army and Air Force families who lost loved ones in your prayers," said Brig. Gen Craig Franklin, 31st Fighter Wing commander. "The impact of this tragedy will be felt throughout our community for some time. Though we are resilient and strong as military members, I encourage you to seek out members of your squadron for support during this difficult time. Rest assured you are not alone as we all deal with this tragic loss." 

The Italian workforce and their representatives have proposed a moment of silence in the memory of the military members who were tragically lost in the helicopter accident. 

The one minute of silence will take place at 10 a.m. Nov. 13 across the base, in line with mission requirements. 

A joint memorial service for the fallen Aviano family members is tentatively planned for Nov. 14.