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A UH-60 medical evacuation helicopter belonging to the New York National Guard crashed Wednesday night south of Rochester, officials confirmed to Military.com.
There were three soldiers aboard; none survived the crash.
A spokesman with the Guard told Military.com that the helicopter went down around 6:30 p.m. in the town of Mendon, New York while on a routine training mission. The aircraft was based at the Army Aviation Support Facility at Rochester International Airport, and was assigned to Charlie Company, 1-171st General Support Aviation Battalion out of Rochester.
The deadly crash is still in the early stages of investigation. Local reports indicate the UH-60 was observed flying low before it crashed, and response efforts blocked off at least one road in the vicinity.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo released a statement Wednesday night ordering flags on state buildings to half-mast in light of the tragedy.
“I am devastated by the news tonight of a New York Army National Guard helicopter crash in the Town of Mendon that killed three of New York’s bravest during a training mission,” he said in the statement. “National Guard members are our citizen soldiers who voluntarily serve and protect both here and abroad, and I extend prayers and condolences from all New Yorkers to the family, loved ones and fellow soldiers of these honorable heroes who we will never forget.”
— Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.
