Arizona Aviation Sergeant Andrew P. Southard Among Five U.S. Army Soldiers Killed in Mediterranean Sea Helicopter Crash

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : Arizona aviation sergeant and four U.S. Army soldiers tragically lost their lives in a devastating helicopter crash over the Mediterranean Sea on Friday, as confirmed by the Department of Defense. The incident occurred during a routine flight training exercise, and there is no evidence to suggest that the crash was a result of enemy action or foul play, according to a statement released by the Department on Monday morning.

The Arizona sergeant killed in the crash has been identified as Sgt. Andrew P. Southard, aged 27, from Apache Junction. Alongside Sgt. Southard, the four other special operations soldiers who tragically perished have also been named. They are Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, aged 38, from Clarksville, Tennessee; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes, aged 34, from Sacramento, California; Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, aged 26, from Gorham, New Hampshire; and Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe, aged 24, from Mankato, Minnesota.

The Department of Defense has revealed that the soldiers were engaged in aerial refueling training when the aircraft encountered an emergency mid-flight, leading to the fatal crash. The cause of the emergency remains under investigation, but there are currently no indications of any hostile activity involved. Search and rescue efforts were initiated immediately following the incident, with nearby U.S. military aircraft and ships joining the mission.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families of the fallen,” expressed the Department in their official announcement. Meanwhile, the U.S. Army’s Combat Readiness Center has taken charge of investigating the incident to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the crash.

As of Monday morning, no further details have been disclosed regarding the incident. The Department of Defense continues to provide updates as the investigation progresses, aiming to shed light on the tragic accident that claimed the lives of these brave soldiers.

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