Credit – U.S. Army
CALIFORNIA, Md. — The U.S. Army has identified four soldiers killed in a Sept. 17, 2025 helicopter mishap near Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state, including Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Kraus, 39, the son of Mission BBQ co-founder Bill Kraus.
Army Special Operations Command said Kraus and three other members of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment — known as the Night Stalkers — died when their MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter went down during routine nighttime training in rural Thurston County, west of Olympia. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
The soldiers were identified as:
- Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Cully, 35, of Sparta, Missouri
- Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Kraus, 39, of Sanibel, Florida
- Sgt. Donavon Scott, 24, of Tacoma, Washington
- Sgt. Jadalyn Good, 23, of Mount Vernon, Washington
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm the loss of four courageous Night Stalkers,” said Col. Stephen Smith, commander of the 4th Battalion, 160th SOAR. “These exceptional warriors embodied the unwavering dedication, selflessness, and excellence that define the very spirit of the Army and Army Special Operations.”
Kraus, a former Marine, joined the Army in 2017 and served as an aeromedical evacuation pilot in Germany before joining the elite 160th SOAR in 2023. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal and Navy Achievement Medal, among others.
Mission BBQ, founded in Maryland in 2011 by Bill Kraus and Steve Newton, has long tied its brand to military and first responder support. In a statement, the company described Andrew Kraus as a “patriot who lived with purpose and courage.”
The deaths prompted condolences from leaders nationwide. Evangelist Franklin Graham offered sympathy to the Kraus family, noting he had met Bill Kraus personally.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “Dawn and I are heartbroken to hear that Andrew Kraus, the son of Mission BBQ co-founder Bill Kraus, died alongside three other service members during a flight training.”
Mission BBQ began here in Maryland, rooting their values in service and community. Our entire state mourns alongside the Kraus family.
Vice President JD Vance called the loss “extremely sad,” adding, “A great company and a great family. May Andrew and all of the soldiers killed rest in peace.”
Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said he and his wife Yumi were “deeply saddened,” adding, “Mission BBQ began right here in Maryland, built on values of service, patriotism, and giving back. Bill and his family have done so much to honor our veterans, first responders, and military heroes.”
The Army said it is grateful for the support of local emergency responders who assisted in recovery efforts, including Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, Griffin Fire Department, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord units.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
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