UPDATE Tuesday evening, April 18

Washington, DC – One crew member died and two were injured when a UH-60 Black Hawk crashed during a routine training flight, April 17 at approximately 1:18 p.m., at Breton Bay Golf Course in Leonardtown.

Specislist Jeremy Darrell Tomlin, 22, a UH-60 crew chief assigned to the 12th Aviation Battalion originally from Chapel Hill, Tennessee died at the scene. Tomlin was pronounced dead at 1:34 p.m., by a St. Mary’s County first responder. Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Nicholas, a pilot, and Capt. Terikazu Onoda, Charlie Company commander, were injured in the incident. Both are listed in critical condition at the University of Maryland R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore. Both service members are assigned to the 12th Aviation Battalion.

The crash site was secured shortly after the incident. The cause of the crash is under investigation. A team from the Army Combat Readiness Center, Fort Rucker, Alabama arrived on site at 4:23 p.m., to begin the investigation.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with our soldiers, their families and friends,” said Col Amanda Azubuike, director of public affairs, Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington. “Our top priority is the health of our soldiers and ensuring that their family members are provided the support they need.”

“The families of the service members request that we respect their privacy during this challenging time,” said Azubuike.

The U.S. Army will provide additional information as it becomes available.
 

Press Release –

Washington, DC – Monday, April 17, one crew member died and two were injured as a result of a helicopter crash during a training exercise at approximately 1:37 p.m., at Breton Bay Golf Course in Leonardtown.The UH-60 Blackhawk is from the 12th Aviation Battalion, stationed at DavisonAirfield, Fort Belvoir, VA. At the time of the incident, it was conducting a routine training flight. Three crew members were on board. The two injured crew members, one in serious condition and one in critical condition, are at the University of Maryland R. AdamsCowley Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore. The names will be released upon notification of next-of-kin.

The cause of the crash is under investigation. A team from the Army Combat Readiness Center, Fort Rucker, Alabama will be at the site of the incident, Tuesday, April 18 to conduct the investigation. “We are deeply saddened by this loss within our community,” said Maj. Gen. Bradley A. Becker, commanding general, Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington. “Our condolences go out to the families and friends affected by this tragedy, and our team is focused on supporting them during this difficult time.” We will provide additional information as it becomes available

UPDATE 4:20 p.m.- Per Patrick Gordon, Pax River PAO; the Helicopters from today’s’ crash were not doing any work with Pax River. They just happened to be in this area today. Pax River is not handling any of the investigation. 

UPDATE 2:39 p.m.- At approx. 1:22 p.m. today, a US Army Blackhawk Helicopter crashed at the Breton Bay Golf Course. When first responders arrived at the scene, there were 3 victims. One victim died at the scene and two were flown to Walter Reed Hospital. It is reported that the helicopter was from Fort Belvoir. 

There were several eyewitnesses to the helicopter crash.

Elizabeth Willing of Leonardtown told TheBayNet.com that she and her friend, Kat McCurdy were kayaking in Breton Bay at the time.

“We saw three helicopters. One of them was lagging behind the other two. It started spinning. At first we thought it was doing tricks.”

“It disappeared behind the tree line and then we heard a big bang,” said McCurdy.

The scene has been closed off and is accessible only by authorized personnel.We will update as more information becomes available. 

UPDATE: 1:35 pm- Reports of 2 survivors and 1 deceased. 

UPDATE: 1:31 PM. US Army Helicopter, with 3 people being flown out

At 1:22 p.m. it is reported that a Helicopter has crashed in the Breton Bay Subdivision of Leonardtown. 

MSP Aviation has been dispatched for Medevac purposes. 

Stay clear of the area for the landing zone.Use caution if you must be in the area.in the area. 

TheBayNet.com will update as more information becomes available.