Fort Campbell soldier killed in helicopter ‘incident’

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (WKRN) — One Fort Campbell soldier has died and another was injured in a helicopter training “incident” Wednesday evening at the military installation.

The incident happened in the Fort Campbell training area around 7 p.m.

According to a release, two servicemembers with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) were injured in an aviation “incident.”

Emergency crews responded to find one soldier dead at the scene. The second soldier was taken to Blanchfield Army Community Hospital and is reportedly in stable condition.

According to the 101st, the names of those involved are being withheld for at least 24 hours after next of kin notification out of respect for the families.

When asked if the helicopter crashed, an Army spokesperson told Nexstar’s WKRN, “as to the exact description of the incident (crash vs hard landing vs etc), that will be identified/described in the results of the investigation.”

Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden released a statement, which reads:

Our community is heartbroken by the loss of one of our soldiers in yesterday’s devastating helicopter crash at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. We grieve the fallen soldier and stand with their family, who now carries the immeasurable weight of this tragedy.

When Fort Campbell service members are affected, all of Montgomery County feels it—we are one united community. The brave men and women of Fort Campbell and their families are the heart of Montgomery County. They strengthen our community and are more than service members; they are our friends, neighbors, and colleagues.

Montgomery County stands in full support of the families and soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division, and we are praying for them. In the wake of this tragedy, I am reminded just how important it is to tell all of the people in our lives how much we love them—every day.

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) posted to social media:

I am devastated by the loss of a Fort Campbell soldier last night who tragically passed during an aviation training exercise. Lifting up this servicemember’s family in prayer today and will continue to monitor this situation.

Hopkinsville Mayor James R. Knight Jr. released a statement, which reads:

On behalf of the City of Hopkinsville, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the
servicemember who lost their life in last night’s aviation incident. Our thoughts are also with the
injured soldier, and we pray for a full recovery. The city offers its full support and assistance to the 101st Airborne Division and the entire Fort Campbell community during this difficult time.

Kentucky Sen. Craig Richardson (R-Hopkinsville) also shared a statement Thursday morning:

The news from Fort Campbell last night is heartbreaking. One of our nation’s soldiers has lost their life, and another is recovering from injuries sustained in a tragic helicopter incident. Our commonwealth grieves alongside the families, the Fort Campbell community, and the broader Army family.

This soldier is mourned not just by Kentucky, but by a nation that owes its freedom to the selfless service of men and women like them. We pray for healing for the injured and strength for every service member and loved one facing the weight of this loss.

This tragedy is a solemn reminder that the dangers our military faces are not limited to distant battlefields. The call to serve brings risks at home, in training, preparation, and quiet readiness.

To the soldiers at Fort Campbell and across our armed forces—know that we see your sacrifice and stand with you. Kentucky is proud to be home to heroes. Today, we honor one of them.”

The incident is under investigation. No additional information was immediately released.

This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 56 News for updates.

Camille Hantla contributed to this story.