3rd ID soldier killed in helicopter crash at Wright Army Airfield identified

HINESVILLE, Ga. (WTOC) - A 3rd Infantry Division soldier has died after a helicopter crash involving two HH-60 helicopters early Wednesday morning.

According to the the 3rd ID public affairs office, the incident happened at Fort Stewart’s Wright Army Airfield around 2 a.m. The soldier was assigned to the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division.

The solider has been identified as Capt. James T. Bellew, 26 of Charlottesville, Virginia.

They say he entered the Army in 2017 as a medical service officer, became an Aeromedical Evacuation Officer in 2019, and has been assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division since March of 2020.

Bellew’s previous assignment was at Camp Casey, South Korea as a Field Medical Assistant from September 2017 to September 2018.

Wright Army Airfield is closed until further notice while the crash is investigated.

“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,” said Vanek.