TN National Guard helicopter crashes, 2 dead

Two people are believed dead after a Tennessee National Guard helicopter crashed Wednesday afternoon outside Huntsville, Alabama. The crash occurred along Highway 53, near Burwell Road.

Don Webster, the community relations director for Huntsville Emergency Medical Services, told The Tennessean two people were found dead from the crash.

Fire crews from Monroe and Harvest Fire Departments discovered the helicopter on fire, Webster said. U.S. Military officials confirmed it was a Black Hawk helicopter, and that two people were on board at the time of the crash.

“It was destroyed beyond recognition,” Webster said.

Authorities, he said, confirmed the helicopter belonged to the Tennessee National Guard.

“Our heart goes out to them, for all they do for this country,” Webster added.

The helicopter was on a training mission, according to military officials. The crash, which occurred Wednesday at 3:01 p.m., remains under investigation.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of two Tennessee National Guardsmen, and our prayers are with their families during this heartbreaking tragedy,” said Brig. Gen. Warner Ross, Tennessee’s adjutant general. “We ask Tennesseans to join us in supporting their families during this time of unthinkable grief.”

No other service members or civilians were harmed in the crash.

Gov. Bill Lee said the Tennessee National Guard will support law enforcement at the scene.

“Maria and I are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of two Tennessee National Guard members. Please join us in lifting their families up in prayer and support during this time of unspeakable grief.”

Madison County Sheriff deputies remained on the scene Wednesday evening, closing all north and southbound traffic.

Redstone Arsenal, a U.S. military post, said in a statement the crash was not related to its operation.

“First responders are on scene, and Redstone Arsenal is in full support of local authorities in their active investigation. The initial investigation determined that the incident is not connected to Redstone Arsenal assets, and we will continue to support community authorities as the situation develops,” the statement said.

Alabama District 5 Rep. Dale Strong wrote in a tweet he was deeply saddened to learn of the fatal helicopter crash.

“My heart hurts for those who lost their lives in this tragic incident and for their families as they learn of this news,” Strong said.

The Associated Press contributed to this story. Reporter Melissa Brown contributed to this story.

Reach reporter Craig Shoup by email at cshoup@gannett.com and on Twitter @Craig_shoup. To support his work, sign up for a digital subscription to www.tennessean.com.