Military helicopter crash on Mount Thorodin is under investigation
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The US Army Black Hawk helicopter that went down in Gilpin County on August 25, 2026, was moved from the crash site on the east side of Thorodin Mountain to a site to be moved out of the county.
GILPIN COUNTY — On August 25 a US Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed on the east side of Mount Thorodin in Gilpin County. The US Army Special Operations Command reported it as an "aviation mishap."
Of the four personnel on board no one was injured.
The Gilpin County Sheriff's Office reported that a fuel leak was identified and mitigated.
On September 4 the US Army stated, "The aircraft involved in the aviation mishap that occurred on Aug. 25, 2026, near Denver, Colorado, has been successfully moved from the hard landing site.
"The US Forest Service (USFS) and their environmental team have assessed the site, have stated no issues or concerns, and are expected to clear the site as soon as possible.
"All questions pertaining to the aviation mishap investigation should be directed to the US Army Combat Readiness Center at: 334-255-3770 or by email at: usarmy.rucker.hqda-secarmy.list.safe-pao@army.mil."
Gilpin Sheriff Kevin Armstrong stated, "As we close out the response and recovery efforts surrounding the recent military aviation incident, I want to personally say thank you. Above all, we are incredibly grateful that there were no injuries to those aboard the aircraft or to anyone involved in the response and recovery. Having everyone go home safely is what matters most.
"I am extremely proud of the teamwork and professionalism shown by the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office, Timberline Fire Protection District, Gilpin Ambulance Authority, Coal Creek Canyon Fire Department, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Golden Gate Canyon State Park and the US Forest Service.
"A special thank you to the US Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment for their exceptional professionalism, communication, and partnership throughout this operation.
"Different uniforms. Different agencies. One team. This operation was a tremendous example of what can be accomplished when we work together.
"To everyone who played a part, thank you. We are grateful for your service, your partnership, and most of all, that everyone went home safely."
Some locals watched on September 4 as a Chinook helicopter came in and then flew out with the damaged Black Hawk helicopter.
It was an incident that was shocking. There are more questions than answers for the nearest property owners.
