AZ soldier died when helicopter went down off Yemen
A U.S. Army staff sergeant from Tucson has been confirmed killed in a Black Hawk helicopter crash off the coast of Yemen a week ago.
The U.S. Department of Defense reported Staff Sgt. Emil Rivera-Lopez missing when the helicopter crashed during training on Aug. 25. Officials declared him dead Thursday and released his identity Friday.
He was 31.
Rivera-Lopez was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He had served in the Army for more than 11 years, according to a news release from the U.S. Army Special Operations Command.
He had most recently served as a section sergeant and Black Hawk crew chief, according to Army officials.
Rivera-Lopez had received numerous awards and decorations, including three bronze service stars, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism medals and an Overseas Service Ribbon.
U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., on Saturday morning tweeted that RiveraLopez was from Tucson and shared his condolences for Rivera-Lopez’s family.
According to the Associated Press, six service members were aboard the helicopter when it crashed. The other five were rescued, according to a statement issued by U.S. Central Command.
Officials described the helicopter’s activities as “a routine training event specifically for U.S. military personnel,” according to the Associated Press.
“Commanders deemed this location appropriate and safe for a routine training event, considering both the operational environment and weather conditions at the time,” CENTCOM told the AP in a statement.
Yemen, located on the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula, is in the midst of a years-long civil war. The U.S. has provided support to the Saudi-led coalition, which supports the country’s government.
Officials are still investigating the cause of the crash.