Military helicopter goes missing near Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state

On the night of September 17, 2025, authorities commenced a response to an apparent military helicopter crash in the vicinity of Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. The incident was brought to light when the Thurston County Sheriff's Office received reports about a possible crash happening near Summit Lake, prompting an immediate deployment of deputies to investigate further. Upon arrival, deputies located what is believed to be the scene of the crash. The Sheriff's Office noted that they were informed by military officials that contact with a helicopter in the area had been lost. This situation indicates a potential serious concern for the safety of those aboard the aircraft as authorities mobilized to assess the situation and provide any necessary assistance. As the situation remains fluid and continues to develop, there is currently no confirmation regarding the total number of people on board the helicopter or their conditions. With CBS News reaching out for details from the base concerning the report, the facts surrounding the incident are still unfolding and yet to be fully clarified. The uncertainty and potential for loss of life create concern not only for the military community but for the general public as well. Thurston County Sheriff's Office officials are working closely with Joint Base Lewis-McChord to coordinate resources needed for any rescue or recovery efforts. This incident sheds light on the dangers faced by military personnel as they undertake flight operations, signaling the pivotal nature of safety protocols in aviation. All stakeholders hope for a swift resolution to this troubling situation, with updates being disseminated as new information arises.