ST. PAUL, Minn. (KELO.com) — Lead by Minnesota National Guard veteran Gov. Mike Walz, the Gopher State is officially mourning the loss of three guardsmen who died in a helicopter crash yesterday southwest of St. Cloud.
Gov. Walz traveled to the crash site yesterday. He says he is staying in constant contact with the guard and in providing assistance to the Guardsmen’s friends, families, and colleagues.
The governor has ordered all U.S. and Minnesota state flags to fly at half-staff in honor of the fallen soldiers.
Below is a statement from Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.
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Three Minnesota National Guard soldiers were tragically killed in a helicopter crash near Kimball, Minnesota on Thursday. The Minnesota National Guard lost contact with the UH-60 Black Hawk around 2:05 pm after the helicopter took off from St. Cloud, Minnesota, on a maintenance test flight. The names of the crew members have not been released, pending family notification.
A 24-year veteran of the National Guard, Governor Tim Walz traveled to be with fellow Minnesota National Guardsmen near the site of the crash on Thursday night. He remains in continuous contact with the National Guard and stands ready to provide support for their families, friends, and fellow soldiers.
In honor and remembrance of the three Minnesota National Guard soldiers who died, the Governor has ordered all U.S. and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff. He joins the people of Minnesota in mourning the soldiers and recognizing their dedicated service to our state and our country.
“On behalf of all Minnesotans, we offer our deepest sympathies to the families of these warriors,” said Governor Tim Walz. “They paid the ultimate price and service to Minnesota and to the United States of America. Words will never ease the pain of this tragic loss and the state of Minnesota is forever in the debt of these warriors.”
