Kentucky
1 soldier killed, another injured in helicopter crash during training exercise at Kentucky Army base
A soldier was killed and another wounded in a helicopter crash during a training exercise at a Kentucky Army base Wednesday, according to reports.
The crash happened around 7 p.m. at Fort Campbell — home to several of the Army’s air-based groups — as troops were conducting a training operation at the base on the Kentucky-Tennessee border, according to Stars and Stripes.
Exactly what happened remains unclear, but one soldier was killed in the crash while the other was pulled to safety.
Emergency responders were on the scene immediately and took the survivor to Blanchfield Army Community Hospital.
They are in stable condition, the Army said.
The names of the soldiers involved are being withheld until next of kin have been fully notified.
“I am devastated by the loss of a Fort Campbell soldier last night who tragically passed during an aviation training exercise,” Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) wrote on X after news broke.
“Lifting up this servicemember’s family in prayer today and will continue to monitor this situation,” she added.
It was just the latest fatal helicopter accident to happen near the Army base.
In 2023, nine soldiers were killed when a pair of Black Hawk helicopters collided during a nighttime training mission about 30 miles from Fort Campbell.
An Army Black Hawk was also involved in a deadly January collision with an American Airlines passenger jet outside of Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC.
All three servicemembers onboard the Black Hawk were killed, as were all 64 passengers and crew on the plane.
Kentucky
Kentucky is poised to land either Donnie Freeman or Sebastian Rancik this weekend, per report
Jones posted on Twitter that “Kentucky will have (absent a major change) either Freeman or Rancik by tomorrow,” while also noting the Wildcats still need to add another shooter and another big to round out the roster.
One of the top targets is Donnie Freeman, a 6-foot-9, 205-pound sophomore forward transferring from Syracuse. Freeman arrived in Lexington on Tuesday night and began his visit on Wednesday before leaving without a commitment. While there was concern he could land at UConn, that visit has since been canceled, leaving Kentucky and St. John’s as the top teams.
Freeman averaged 16.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game last season, while adding nearly a block and a steal per contest. He shot 47.4% from the field but 30.2% from 3-point range across 23 games.
The other option is Sebastian Rancik, a 6-foot-11, 220-pound sophomore forward transferring from Colorado. Rancik visited Kentucky starting Wednesday through Thursday and brings a versatile skill set, averaging 12.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game while shooting 33.1% from 3.
Either Freeman or Rancik would provide a significant boost at the power forward position for head coach Mark Pope. Kentucky has already added guards Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins in the portal.
Kentucky football coach Will Stein reflects on new position
Will Stein was officially introduced to fans and media as the head coach for the Kentucky Wildcats, replacing Mark Stoops.
LEXINGTON — Kentucky football had its first spring game under new coach Will Stein at Kroger Field on Saturday.
The offense, in blue jerseys, had its moments. So too the defense, donning white uniforms.
Ultimately, the blue squad earned a 23-18 victory in a game called just after noon because of inclement weather.
Stein admitted he “got emotional” as he charged onto the field prior to kickoff.
“I know it wasn’t a real game, but when I ran on the field, I definitely — man, I felt it,” he said. “It was like a wave running over me. And very, very, just cool.”
While it doesn’t count in the standings, Stein walked away pleased.
“I think we got a lot of really good work,” he said. “That’s the goal of spring is to improve with fundamentals and technique, learn how to practice, learn what winning edges that we need throughout spring to go into summer and fall and prepare the team for play. And we came out of the scrimmage clean. There (were) no injuries, which to me, that’s the biggest win of the day. I could (not) care less about the score.
“If we come out clean, that’s good. The Wildcats won.”
New starting QB Kenny Minchey looked about as expected, with sharp passes evened out by moments of inconsistency. Martels Carter Jr., a defensive back who is lining up at running back this spring, scored a touchdown and had several nice runs.
And the defense forced multiple three-and-outs and also picked off one Minchey pass on a two-point conversion.
This story will be updated.
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
-
Boston, MA50 seconds agoFrom across Boston they flock to play for Latin Academy boys’ tennis, a co-op of 29 schools – The Boston Globe
-
Denver, CO7 minutes agoDale Kistler Obituary | The Denver Post
-
Seattle, WA13 minutes agoWEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Warm day, but far below record
-
San Diego, CA19 minutes agoSolans, Luna, Guilavogui help RSL beat slumping San Diego, extend unbeaten streak to 6 games :: WRALSportsFan.com
-
Milwaukee, WI25 minutes agoMilwaukee boy critically missing, last seen near Teutonia and Kiley
-
Atlanta, GA31 minutes agoNew York hosts Atlanta with 1-0 series lead
-
Minneapolis, MN37 minutes agoFatal Minneapolis crash sentencing: Teniki Steward sentenced to more than 12 years
-
Indianapolis, IN43 minutes agoPirates farm report for April 18, 2026: Rafael Flores Jr. hits 1st homer in Indianapolis win