Officials reported that two National Guard soldiers lost their lives on Friday in Mississippi when the helicopter they were flying crashed during a routine training flight.

The soldiers were aboard an Apache AH-64 helicopter when it crashed around 2 p.m. in a wooded area near Booneville in Prentiss County, as Fox News reported.

Prentiss County Sheriff Randy Tolar confirmed the fatalities, as reported by the Mississippi National Guard.

Identified on Saturday, the soldiers were Chief Warrant Officer 4 Bryan Andrew Zemek, aged 36, and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Derek Joshua Abbott, aged 42, according to confirmation from the Mississippi National Guard.

A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice

Zemek dedicated his career to serving as an AH-64 Delta Apache standardization instructor pilot with Alpha Company 1st Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment in Tupelo.

Meanwhile, Abbott contributed his expertise as a maintenance test pilot for the Delta Company of the 2nd Battalion, 151st Lakota Medical Evacuation Unit.

State and National Mourning

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves expressed profound sorrow over the incident, acknowledging the immense loss to the state and the nation.

"This is a sad time for the state of Mississippi as we mourn the loss of two of our own Mississippi National Guard heroes," he stated,

The governor extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and friends of the deceased soldiers.

On Friday, Reeves initially expressed his condolences to the families of the soldiers.

He said, "Tragically, both Guardsmen on board did not survive. Safety crews are currently working the scene of the crash with local authorities."

The governor added, "Please join First Lady of Mississippi Elee Reeves and me in praying for the two Guardsmen and their families. Mississippi will always be grateful for their service and we will never forget them."

The Ultimate Sacrifice

Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles reflected on the Mississippi National Guard's profound sadness and emphasized the inherent risks and sacrifices associated with military service.

Boyle said, "Today is a devastating day for the Mississippi National Guard as we mourn the loss of two of our brave brothers in arms. This accident serves as a constant reminder of the selfless service, sacrifice, and commitment that our brave service men and women face while performing in the line of duty."

He stated that the incident is currently under investigation.

Boyle stated, "We are not at liberty to discuss any details of the accident during an ongoing investigation. Our paramount concern at this time is to ensure proper casualty assistance is available to support the surviving family members through this difficult time."

President Joe Biden also paid tribute, highlighting the guardsmen's unwavering commitment and honor, ensuring continued support for their families during this challenging period.

Remembering the Fallen

Zemek leaves behind his wife and four children. Abbott is survived by his wife and three children.

Last week, a Utah Army National Guard helicopter crashed in what officials described as a "training accident," injuring two pilots onboard.

The incident involved an AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter that crashed at the West Jordan Army Aviation Support Facility.