This undated photo shows Army Pfc. Edwin Thomas. He was killed in a flight-related accident at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, last week, according to the 2nd Infantry Division. (U.S. Army)
SEOUL, South Korea — An Army helicopter maintainer was killed in a flight-related accident at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, last week, according to the 2nd Infantry Division.
Pfc. Edwin Thomas, a CH-47 Chinook repairer, was declared dead at 12:13 p.m. Thursday at the Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital at Humphreys, where he was taken after the accident, according to a division news release Saturday.
The 20-year-old native of Eagan, Minn., was assigned to the 3-2 General Support Aviation Battalion of the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division.
Thomas was conducting “ground-based crew chief duties” on a Chinook at the time of the accident, the brigade said in a separate news release Friday.
The commands provided no further information, and the incident is under investigation, according to the releases.
Army Chinook repairers undergo 17 weeks of training at Fort Eustis, Va., to be proficient in servicing the helicopter. The Boeing-developed tandem rotor helicopter is used by the Army to transport troops and supplies.
Edwin’s battalion commander described him as a “valued member” of the unit with an “unparalleled” work ethic.
“We will honor our time with him as he left an indelible mark on our battalion and his company,” Lt. Col. Anthony Snipes said in the 2nd ID release. “His legacy will continue through our professional dedication to our mission and the Army. The pain we feel is a testament to the impact he left on those around him.”
The 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade described Thomas as a “vibrant, dynamic presence.”
“We ask that you keep Pfc. Thomas’ family in your prayers,” the brigade’s release said.
Thomas is survived by his father, Matthew Thomas; his mother, Elizabeth Cherian; and his brother, David Thomas, according to the division.
He enlisted in the Army in August 2023. His awards include the Army Aviation Badge, Korea Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon.
