US

Victim Of Black Hawk Helicopter Crash Was Expecting First Baby With His Wife, Father Says

Luke Sharrett/Getty Images

Font Size:

One of the soldiers killed in the Black Hawk helicopter collision Wednesday near Kentucky’s Fort Campbell had been expecting his first child with his wife, according to his father.

Thirteen-year Army veteran Caleb Gore was reportedly one of the nine U.S. soldiers killed when two Black Hawk helicopters collided over a partially wooded field during a training exercise near Fort Campbell on March 29. While the military did not disclose the names of those who had been onboard when the fatal accident occurred, a pastor in North Carolina said his son was one of the victims.

“My precious son Caleb was killed in a tragic helicopter accident last night. He was the light of my world and I have no words to express my grief right now. My words are my tears right now,” Pastor Tim Gore posted on Facebook. “Please pray for us all.”


Gore said he “screamed” when he heard the news about his son, telling WRAL News, “It’s a moment I would wish on no one.” (RELATED: Two Black Hawk Helicopters Crashed During Training Accident, Utah National Guard Confirms)

Gore said Caleb had been expecting his first child with his wife, Haileigh, who is a little over three months pregnant at the time of writing, according to WRAL. “They just found out yesterday it was a boy. She was my son’s childhood love, so the grief of the moment stretches pretty deep right now,” Gore told the outlet Thursday.

Gore said he and his wife drove down to the ocean to grieve the loss of their son, adding that they have been “overwhelmed” by the love and support they have received from family, friends and the community since Caleb’s tragic loss, according to a separate Facebook post.
The 101st Airborne Division announced in a press release Thursday that the Army has deployed investigators from Fort Rucker to determine the cause of the incident. “This is a truly tragic loss for these families,” deputy commanding general Brig. Gen. John Lubas began in a statement.