Donavon Scott, Jadalyn Good Obituary, Death – Four U.S. Army soldiers who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Washington’s Capitol Forest last week have now been formally identified, according to Army officials. The soldiers, two of whom were from Washington state, were part of a training exercise when the incident occurred.
The crash involved an MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter that went down in the Summit Lake area of Thurston County, just west of Olympia. U.S. Army spokesperson Cynthia Smith confirmed that the helicopter was on a routine training mission at the time of the accident. While details about what caused the aircraft to go down remain unclear, the Army has classified the incident as an “aviation mishap.” A full investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances that led to the fatal crash.
The soldiers were initially reported missing following the crash, but by Friday the Army confirmed that all four service members onboard were presumed dead. On Monday, U.S. Army Special Operations Command released their names and backgrounds, honoring their service and sacrifice.
The victims were identified as:
- Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Cully, age 35, from Sparta, Missouri.
- Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Kraus, age 39, from Sanibel, Florida.
- Sergeant Donavon Scott, age 25, from Tacoma, Washington.
- Sergeant Jadalyn Good, age 23, from Mount Vernon, Washington.
Both Sgt. Scott and Sgt. Good were Washington natives, making the loss particularly difficult for local communities and families. Sgt. Scott, at just 25 years old, was described as a dedicated soldier with strong ties to Tacoma, where his family and friends are now mourning. Sgt. Good, only 23, hailed from Mount Vernon and was remembered for her commitment, drive, and promising military career that was cut tragically short.
Army officials have emphasized that the safety of soldiers during training missions remains a top priority, but that inherent risks are part of aviation training operations. Black Hawk helicopters, like the one involved in the accident, are heavily used across the U.S. military for transport, training, and combat missions due to their versatility and reliability. Still, the crash serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers service members face, even outside combat zones.
Communities in Washington state, Missouri, and Florida are grieving as tributes pour in for the four soldiers. Officials at Joint Base Lewis-McChord have expressed deep condolences to the families and loved ones of those lost, noting the lasting impact their service will have on the Army and the nation.
The Army has also pledged to provide full support to the families of the fallen, including grief counseling, assistance with memorial arrangements, and ongoing updates on the investigation. As investigators work to determine what caused the helicopter to go down, many within the military community have come together to honor the legacy of the soldiers who gave their lives in service.
For now, the crash site remains under review by Army aviation safety experts, who are gathering evidence and analyzing wreckage in hopes of preventing similar incidents in the future. While the investigation is ongoing, officials stress that the loss of these four soldiers highlights both the dedication and sacrifices made by service members every day.
The deaths of Chief Warrant Officers Cully and Kraus, along with Sergeants Scott and Good, leave a lasting mark on their families, fellow soldiers, and the communities they called home. Their service, commitment, and ultimate sacrifice will be remembered as the investigation continues and the nation mourns their loss.
