Fort Wainwright soldiers killed in helicopter crash identified

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - The identities of the three soldiers killed in the crash of the AH-64 helicopters near Healy, Alaska on Thursday April 27 have been released.

The U.S. Army says the men who died were Chief Warrant Officer 3 Christopher Eramo, 39, of Oneonta, NY; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kyle McKenna, 28, of Colorado Springs, CO; and Warrant Officer 1 Stewart Wayment, 32, of North Logan, UT. They were all members of the 1st Attack Battalion, 25th Aviation at Fort Wainwright.

A fourth soldier was injured in the crash and taken to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital and is listed in stable condition.

According to a statement from the Army, “The helicopters were returning to Fort Wainwright from a training mission in the Donnelly Training Area when they collided in flight about 50 miles east of Healy.” The crash was reported at 1:39 p.m. Thursday. Emergency personnel from the 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment at Fort Wainwright, and the Alaska National Guard responded to the scene.

“The loss of these soldiers is devastating and is being felt by family, friends and military communities across Alaska,” said Major General Brian Eifler Commanding General of the 11th Airborne Division. “The families of Fort Wainwright and 1-25 are as strong a team as I’ve ever seen. Our hearts are heavy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and loved ones of the fallen.”

“The battalion is devastated and mourning the loss of three of our best,” said Lt. Col. Matthew C. Carlsen, 1-25th AB Commander. “Our mission now is to focus on the families, the survivors and to honor and cherish their memories.”

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