Fort Hood officials have released the names of the two U.S. Army pilots killed Wednesday when an AH-64E Apache helicopter went down during a training mission near Salado, Texas.
The soldiers were identified as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead, according to Fort Hood.
“Our hearts and deepest condolences are with the families of the Soldiers we lost Wednesday,” Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral, commanding general of III Armored Corps and Fort Hood, said in a statement released by the Army on Friday.
“The Army is a family, and a tragedy like this is felt throughout our formations and our community.”
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey was identified by the Army as one of the soldiers killed in the Apache helicopter crash. (U.S. Army Fort Hood Media Center)
Huey, 34, of Killeen, Texas, began his Army career in 2014 as a motor transport operator. In February 2022, he joined Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.
Olmstead, 25, from Belton, Texas, entered the Army in January 2023 as a warrant officer candidate and was assigned to the same unit in October 2025.
Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead was also killed in the training-related helicopter crash near Salado, Texas. (U.S. Army Fort Hood Media Center)
“In the difficult days ahead, our priority is to ensure these families and our Soldiers have the care and support they need,” Admiral said. “We are making all appropriate resources available to those affected by this loss.”
The soldiers died when their helicopter crashed into a field near Salado, roughly 30 minutes from Fort Hood. The crash sparked a wildfire in the area which necessitated a large emergency response.
The Army is investigating the crash.
A firefighting helicopter responds to a wildfire sparked by a deadly military helicopter crash near Salado, Texas. (KDTX)
“A safety investigation team from the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center in Fort Rucker, Alabama, arrived Aug. 13 and will lead the safety investigation of the mishap,” Fort Hood added in the statement.
News Outlet contacted the U.S. Army for further comment.
