Solider killed in Fort Campbell helicopter training crash identified
An Army pilot killed in a training incident involving a helicopter crash Wednesday night at Fort Campbell Army post in Kentucky has been identified.
The crash happened around 7 p.m. during a training exercise June 11, and it involved two 101st Airborne Division service members, according to a Fort Campbell press release.
Dustin K. Wright, 40, pilot for the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, died as a result of the crash, Fort Campbell officials reported. Wright was pronounced dead on-site of the crash which was a routine AH-64 Apache helicopter training.
The second soldier was taken to Blanchfield Army Community Hospital and was released later that night.
Tyler Partridge, commander of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, said the entire group mourns Wright’s loss.
“A former Infantryman, Dustin cherished every opportunity to be outside and support ground troops, Partridge said. “He did so with strength and honor. We will forever cherish the memories of his service, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.”
Fort Campbell is an Army installation post on the Kentucky-Tennessee border, between Hopkinsville and Clarksville, Tenn. The post is home to the “Screaming Eagles.”
Sen. Craig Richardson (R-Hopkinsville) said the news of the crash was heartbreaking in a media release sent out Thursday.
“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,” Richardson said. “We pray for healing for the injured and strength for every service member and loved one facing the weight of this loss.”
Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn said she was devastated by the loss in a social media post Thursday.
“Lifting up this servicemember’s family in prayer today and will continue to monitor this situation,” Blackburn posted.
The crash is under investigation, according to Fort Campbell officials.
This story was originally published June 12, 2025 at 12:31 PM.
