FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (WHAS11) – At approximately 9:50 p.m. Friday, two Soldiers of the 101st Combat Aviation “Destiny” Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) were killed in an AH-64E Apache helicopter crash in the local training area on Fort Campbell.
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ryan Connolly, 37, was an instructor pilot in the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. He joined the Army in 2001 and arrived at Fort Campbell in 2016. Decorations include; two Air Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Superior Unit Award, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, Army Service Ribbon and an Overseas Service Ribbon.
Warrant Officer James Casadona, 28, was a pilot in the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. He joined the Army in 2012 and arrived at Fort Campbell in 2018. Decorations include; National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and an Army Service Ribbon. “The Destiny Brigade has suffered a great tragedy and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the deceased,” said Col. Craig Alia, commander, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. “This is an unfortunate event, and we are saddened by the loss of our fellow Soldiers. We ask that everyone respect the privacy of the families as they grieve the loss of their loved ones.”
The cause of the accident is under investigation.