Mar. 31—The Army identified Capt. James Bellew, 26, as the aeromedical evacuation officer killed in a helicopter crash at Wright Army Airfield at Fort Stewart, Ga., early Wednesday, according to a 3rd Infantry Division news release.
Bellew was found dead at the site where two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters crashed around 2 a.m., according to 3rd ID. The Army's Criminal Investigation Division and Combat Readiness Center are investigating the incident.
The airfield was closed Wednesday morning following the crash. The Army release said nothing about possible injuries to other soldiers.
Bellew, a native of Charlottesville, Va., began his career in the Army as a medical service officer in 2017 and has been attached to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade since March 2020, according to the release.
His duties included providing medical evacuation support for the Fort Stewart community, including airlifting critically ill COVID-19 patients to higher levels of care across the country, brigade commander Col. Eric Vanek said in the release.
"The loss of James is an immeasurable tragedy to his family, friends, crew and fellow soldiers," Vanek said. "James was a part of one of the noblest professions imaginable; he dedicated his life to serving our country and did so in a role where he was constantly helping, and saving the lives of others."
Bellew completed a one-year tour at Camp Casey, South Korea, as a field medical assistant in September 2018. His awards include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Expert Field Medical Badge and Army Aviator Badge.
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