MENDON, N.Y. — The remains of three soldiers have been recovered from the scene of a deadly military helicopter crash in Mendon.
The New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs confirms the soldiers died when a New York Army National Guard helicopter went down Wednesday night.
(Photo Courtesy: Emily Fasel)
The UH-60 medical evacuation helicopter crashed in an open field 200 yards from West Bloomfield Road between Cheese Factory Road and Boughton Hill Road.
The New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs reports that the helicopter, based at the Army Aviation Support Facility at Rochester International Airport, crashed while on a routine training mission.
The helicopter was assigned to C Company of the 1st Battalion, 171st General Support Aviation Battalion.
Emotional scene as the Medical Examiner leaves the crash sight followed by First responders. #roc @SPECNewsROC pic.twitter.com/FrhIQ1fGjb
— scott barstow (@barstow_scott) January 21, 2021
On Thursday, the bodies of the victims were transported to the medical examiners office. A full procession of first responders followed behind.
Police officers directing traffic on East Henrietta Road in Brighton could be seen saluting as the procession passed.
Full honor guard processional down East Henrietta Road in Brighton to the medical examiner’s office. These three Army National Guard Soldiers were on a training mission last night when their helicopter went down in Mendon. @SPECNewsROC pic.twitter.com/LbwFDT5rAp
— Mike Moss (@mikemossTV) January 21, 2021
Military members, police, and first responders from around the area stood in a row, saluting in silence as the procession arrived at the medical examiners office.
The American flag was beside them during the somber moment.
A somber moment as the bodies of the three soldiers who perished in Wednesday night’s military chopper crash are escorted in a procession to the Monroe County Medical Examiners Office. First responders from throughout the area come to pay respects. @SPECNewsROC @NationalGuardNY pic.twitter.com/kpm00XGZUf
— Wendy Wright (@WendyWrightTV) January 21, 2021
Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter says his heart is heavy over such a horrific crash.
“This is a burden. This is a heavy, heavy burden on all of us. These are our freedom providers, and this just shows again freedom isn’t free. We lost three great Americans today," Baxter said.
Neighbors who spoke with Spectrum News saw the terrifying incident unfold. They are devastated by what happened, but thankful no one on the ground was hurt.
“It was really low and we looked out and we could see it was like tree level. And the next thing we heard was a bang,” said Ruth Downs.
“Yeah, when I heard that this morning. It breaks my heart. I can’t even imagine the effort it must take to get that helicopter to the field away from the houses and that really gave me pause this morning,” said Traci Walker.
Neighbors explained to us what they heard last night. Even though they are sad and heartbroken about the outcome, they feel fortunate and thankful that the helicopter didn’t hit homes. #roc @SPECNewsROC pic.twitter.com/UfHHXy96lE
— scott barstow (@barstow_scott) January 21, 2021
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Guard are expected to lead the investigation into the cause of the crash.
Governor Andrew Cuomo released a statement Wednesday evening, directing flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff Thursday.
The names of the soldiers have not yet been released and the cause of the crash is under investigation.