Oradell native, man of 'compassion and faith,' among 9 dead in Army helicopter crash

Nicholas Katzban, Katie Sobko and Michael Karas, NorthJersey.com
·3 min read
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Sgt. David Solinas Jr., 23, an Oradell native, was killed during a medevac training mission near an Army base in Kentucky, his older brother Aidan said Friday night on the steps of the family home.

He said that his parents, as well as brothers Stephen and Brendan, are heartbroken.

Solinas was one of nine soldiers who died when two Black Hawk medical evacuation helicopters crashed outside Fort Campbell in Kentucky during a flight drill Wednesday night, according to Daniel Matthews, deputy public affairs officer for the 101st Airborne.

Aidan Solinas, at right, reads a statement about his brother David in front of his family's home in Oradell on Friday. Sgt. David Solinas Jr., 23, was killed during a medi-vac training mission near a base in Kentucky.
Aidan Solinas, at right, reads a statement about his brother David in front of his family's home in Oradell on Friday. Sgt. David Solinas Jr., 23, was killed during a medi-vac training mission near a base in Kentucky.

"We are a faithful family and we are proud David was training to rescue soldiers on the battlefield," Aidan Solinas said. "Being a flight medic is one of the most difficult jobs that you can do and illustrates that David was a man of compassion and faith, with a special devotion to Mary, our Blessed Mother."

The family thanked the 82nd Airborne division, the 101st Airborne division and their family and friends for love, support and prayers before asking for privacy at this time.

The two helicopters crashed into a field near the Tennessee border, the Associated Press reported. But there has been no official word from the Army as to what caused the crash.

An aviation safety team from Fort Rucker in Alabama is investigating the crash, according to the 101st Airborne's statement.

In a statement released Friday afternoon, Gov. Phil Murphy said he and his wife were distraught to learn that a local soldier was among the victims.

"At just 23 years of age, David already left an imprint on his community and his service will not be forgotten," Murphy said. "We send our deepest condolences to Sgt. Solinas’ family and loved ones. In his memory, and in honor of his service to our nation, I will sign an executive order on Monday morning that will direct flags to be flown at half-staff on Tuesday., April 4.”

Sgt. David Solinas, 23, of Oradell, died along with eight other soldiers from the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne when two helicopters crashed to the ground during a routine training exercise at Fort Campbell in Kentucky.
Sgt. David Solinas, 23, of Oradell, died along with eight other soldiers from the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne when two helicopters crashed to the ground during a routine training exercise at Fort Campbell in Kentucky.

The helicopters were flying in a "multi-ship formation" with personnel using night vision goggles, Brigadier General John Lubas, the deputy commander of the 101st Airborne Division told USA Today. There were five people in one helicopter, four in the other.

The crash remains under investigation. According to reports, this is among the deadliest military training accidents in recent years.

The 101st Airborne Division is a light infantry group and the Army's only air assault division. Fort Campbell, about 60 miles northwest of Nashville, Tennessee, is on the border between Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and Clarksville, Tennessee.

Sgt. David Solinas, an Oradell native, was one of 9 soldiers killed in a military helicopter crash in Kentucky.
Sgt. David Solinas, an Oradell native, was one of 9 soldiers killed in a military helicopter crash in Kentucky.

“This is a time of great sadness for the 101st Airborne Division. The loss of these soldiers will reverberate through our formations for years to come,” Maj. Gen. JP McGee, commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell, said in a statement.  “Now is the time for grieving and healing. The whole division and this community stand behind the families and friends of our fallen soldiers.”

Black Hawks are the Army’s utility tactical transport helicopter. They are used for air assault, general support, aeromedical evacuation and special operations.

In February, two Tennessee National Guard pilots were killed when their Black Hawk helicopter crashed along an Alabama highway during a training exercise.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Kentucky helicopter crash: Oradell NJ native among 9 soldiers dead