New Hampshire Army Soldier Killed During Flight Training

A New Hampshire man was among five U.S. Army Special Operations aviation soldiers killed during flight training in the Mediterranean Sea on Sunday.

The Department of Defense identified Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, 26, of Gorham as one of the five on board an MH-60 Blackhawk helicopter that experienced an "in-flight emergency" during aerial refueling training that led to the crash.

The other crew members were Chief Warrant Officer Stephen R. Dwyer, 38, of Clarksville, Tennessee, Chief Warrant Officer Shane M. Barnes, 34, of Sacramento, California, Sgt. Andrew P. Southard, 27, of Apache Junction, Arizona and Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe, 24, of Mankato, Minnesota.

"Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families of the fallen. The U.S. Army's Combat Readiness Center is conducting an investigation into the incident," the Department of Defense wrote in a statement.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said was "heartbroken" to hear about Sgt. Grone's death.

"We will never forget his service and sacrifice for our nation. My thoughts are with Sgt. Grone’s family and loved ones during this difficult time," she wrote on her X account.

“Valerie and I extend our condolences to the family of Staff Sgt. Tanner Grone, who gave his life while serving his country,” Gov. Chris Sununu said in a statement. “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Staff Sgt. Grone and his four fellow soldiers who perished. Their bravery and devotion to this nation, and the protection of our freedoms, shall never be forgotten.”

"It was heartbreaking to learn of the death of Army Staff Sgt. Grone. New Hampshire has lost one of our own in service to this country," Rep. Chris Pappas wrote on his X account.

I join my fellow Granite Staters in keeping his family in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Republican First Congressional District candidate Russell Prescott offered his condolences on his campaign X account.

"Our hearts break for the family of Staff Sgt. Tanner Grone, who gave his life in service to our nation. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as well as those of his four fellow soldiers. They will not be forgotten. May they rest in eternal peace," Prescott wrote.

Sgt. Grone is the second New Hampshire resident to die during training in the past two years.

U.S. Marine Capt. Nicholas P. Losapio, 31, who grew up in Kensington, died in a training mission in June of 2022. He was one of two pilots onboard the training flight when the helicopter crashed in Glamis, California.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via X (Twitter) @DanAlexanderNH