Authorities have identified the two veteran Tennessee National Guardsmen who were killed when their helicopter crashed onto an Alabama highway near Huntsville.
Joelton Chief Warrant Officer 3 Daniel Wadham and Murfreesboro Chief Warrant Officer 3 Danny Randolph were aboard the UH-60 Black Hawk military helicopter when it exploded on Highway 53 around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, U.S. military officials confirmed
The two were participating in flight training and were driving to Huntsville Executive Airport when the helicopter crashed near Highway 53 and Burwell Road. The fatal accident resulted in significant delays and road closures.
“Words cannot express my sadness at the loss of these two Tennessee National Guardsmen,” Gen. Warner Ross said at a news conference. “It’s not just being felt in the ranks of the Tennessee National Guard, it’s being felt throughout our military community.”
Details of what caused Wadham and Randolph to crash were not immediately available.
Joelton Chief Warrant Officer 3 Daniel Wadham and Murfreesboro Chief Warrant Officer 3 Danny Randolph were aboard the UH-60 Black Hawk military helicopter when it exploded on Highway 53 at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday
A Tennessee National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk military helicopter “exploded” into a giant fireball on an Alabama highway
Crime scene footage showed thick black smoke billowing from the crash site. The fire was quickly extinguished.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office said the helicopter “exploded on impact and was on fire” when firefighters arrived, adding, “It’s a pile of debris.”
Terrifying video from a nearby home’s security camera captured the moment the helicopter shot out of the sky before a loud explosion was heard.
Grieving fellow military officers were heartbroken to learn of the loss of Wadham and Randolph.
Wadham, who was married with two young daughters, was remembered for his warmth and encouragement.
“In the years that I have been fortunate enough to know Wadham and his wife, Zetty, they have always been so kind, happy, and positive,” Jamie Smith, a service member, wrote in a sympathy post.
“They always shared updates with me, supported me on all sorties and army training, they always had their door wide open for me… I always enjoyed laughing and smiling, watching their girls grow up and all the silly stuff, which Wadham would say and share.’
Grieving fellow military officers were heartbroken to learn of the loss of Wadham and Randolph. Pictured: Wadham at right with another service member
Wadham, who was married with two young daughters, was remembered for his warmth and encouragement
Randolph served 13 years in the military. He was assigned to Berry Field Air National Guard Base in Nashville. Pictured: Randolph with his family
Police officers were spotted at the scene of the accident. The helicopter appeared to be completely destroyed
Tennessee soldier Johnathon Schleicher remembered Wadham as more than just a soldier.
“For those who don’t know, we lost a true warrior yesterday. Anyone who knew Daniel Wadham knew that he was the definition of the all-too-familiar description “jack of all trades”. He had his fingers in everything, but most of all he was a great father, a great soldier… and a great man,” Schleicher wrote.
Randolph was also married and had three children. He was remembered as a “true American hero”.
“I’m at a loss for words… I’ve been pretty speechless since last night,” Ambi Stewart Smith wrote on Facebook. “Danny was such a light no matter what room he was in. You are a hero indeed.”
“Your next flight is heaven,” chimed in another while sharing a photo of Randolph.
Wadham had served in the military for 15 years while Randolph served 13 years. The two were assigned to Berry Field Air National Guard Base in Nashville.
For the US military, the primary user of the Black Hawk helicopter is the Army, with approximately 1,600 to 1,700 different variants in service. A similar helicopter is shown in flight here
Video footage of the incident, which took place around 3 p.m. Wednesday, shows the helicopter crashing onto the highway