Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has ordered all United States flags and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff in honor and remembrance of the three Minnesota National Guard soldiers who were tragically killed in a helicopter crash near Kimball Thursday.

Walz has ordered all United States flags and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota through Monday, December 9, 2019, at 2:05 p.m.

The Minnesota National Guard lost contact with the UH-60 Black Hawk around 2:05 p.m. after the helicopter took off from St. Cloud on a maintenance test flight. The names of the crew members have not been released, pending family notification.

The proclamation from the Governor reads “On Thursday, December 5, 2019, three Minnesota National Guard soldiers were tragically killed in a helicopter crash in Central Minnesota. These fine soldiers served with distinction and put others before themselves. The people of Minnesota honor these soldiers for their dedicated service, pray for their loved ones, and recognize their ultimate sacrifice to our state and country.”