Jan. 21, 2007 — Tragedy has again struck the Virgin Islands as reports of the unconfirmed deaths of two V.I. National Guard soldiers circulate throughout the territory.
The soldiers, both male, were reportedly traveling in a helicopter Saturday afternoon, on the outskirts of Bagdad when the crash occurred, according to several national news stories.
Unconfirmed reports state that one solider was from St. Croix and the other from St. Thomas. All 12 passengers aboard the helicopter were killed, according to national reports.
Speaking Sunday, Delegate Donna M. Christensen said the possibility of our soldiers not returning home when they are deployed is always on her mind. "Whenever I hear something like that [the death of a soldier], I just say 'I hope it is not one of our own,'" Christensen said.
V.I. National Guard Adj. Gen. Eddy Charles said Sunday the U.S. State Department does not authorize the release of victims' names until all measures, including DNA testing, are completed to confirm identity. He said the names would be released within 48 hours.
