Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Sacramento Man Killed in Military Helicopter Crash in Mediterranean

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Pentagon has identified a 34-year-old Sacramento man, Shane Barnes, as one of the five Army aviation special operations forces tragically killed in a helicopter crash in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The incident occurred when the MH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, carrying Barnes, suffered an in-flight emergency and crashed into the sea during a routine refueling mission as part of military training. The crash took place on Friday and was reported by KCRA3 Sacramento.

The U.S. Army’s Combat Readiness Center is currently investigating the crash. However, there is no evidence to suggest that hostile actions were the cause of the accident.

Barnes held the rank of chief warrant officer 2, as confirmed by the Department of Defense. Warrant officers are appointed by the Secretary of the Army and are renowned technical experts in their respective fields. Barnes, along with the other service members who lost their lives, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.

Originally from Sacramento, Barnes was a graduate of Jesuit High School, a prestigious private school located in Carmichael, as confirmed by KCRA 3.

Barnes leaves behind a loving family, having been married for just over 10 years and being the father of two daughters, aged 5 and 1. In an interview with KCRA3, Barnes’ wife, Specialist Reanna Walton, expressed her admiration for her late husband’s dedication and courage. She stated, “He knew the possibilities of what he was doing and he still did it, and that is the highest honor that anybody could ever have and carry.”

The other brave servicemen who tragically lost their lives in the crash have been identified as Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, 38, of Clarksville, Tennessee; Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, 26, of Gorham, New Hampshire; Sgt. Andrew P. Southard, 27, of Apache Junction, Arizona; and Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe, 24, of Mankato, Minnesota.

This devastating incident has shaken the Sacramento community and the military fraternity at large. As investigations into the crash continue, family, friends, and colleagues mourn the loss of these courageous individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country.

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