Three National Guardsmen killed after military helicopter crash in New York

Three National Guardsmen were killed on Wednesday after a military helicopter crashed in New York state.

A UH-60 Black Hawk medical evacuation helicopter crashed in rural Mendon, N.Y., during a routine training mission, according to a statement from the state’s Division of Military and Naval Affairs.

The aircraft was was assigned to C Company of the 1st Battalion, 171st General Support Aviation Battalion. It was based at the Army Aviation Support Facility at Rochester International Airport.

The incident is under investigation.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that three soldiers died when the helicopter went down at 6:32 p.m., according to a local ABC News affiliate. The names of the guardsmen have not been released.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) directed flags on state buildings to be lowered to half-staff on Thursday in honor of the three guardsmen who died.

“I am devastated by the news tonight of a New York Army National Guard helicopter crash in the Town of Mendon that killed three of New York’s bravest during a training mission,” Cuomo said in a statement

“National Guard members are our citizen soldiers who voluntarily serve and protect both here and abroad, and I extend prayers and condolences from all New Yorkers to the family, loved ones and fellow soldiers of these honorable heroes who we will never forget.”

Tonight we are devastated by the crash of a New York Army National Guard helicopter in the town of Mendon that killed three of New York’s bravest during a training mission.

I’m directing that flags on all State buildings be lowered to half-staff tomorrow.

Full statement: pic.twitter.com/ztSnTwD4V1

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) January 21, 2021