JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Governor Tate Reeves (R-Miss.) and the Mississippi National Guard held a news conference on Saturday regarding a fatal helicopter crash in the state.

Two National Guard members died on Friday, February 23 after their aircraft went down in a wooded area near Baldwyn in Prentiss County.

The helicopter was AH-64 Apache “flying a routine training flight,” the Mississippi National Guard said in a news release.

The governor identified the soldiers as Chief Warrant Officer 4 Bryan Andrew Zemek, 36, and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Derek Joshua Abbott, 42.

Zemek was in Alpha Company 1st Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment serving as an AH-64 Delta Apache Standardization Instructor Pilot in Tupelo. Abbott was in Delta Company of the 2nd Battalion, 151st Lakota Medical Evacuation unit serving as a Maintenance Test Pilot in the Mississippi National Guard.

“I want to extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of our fallen soldiers. We will always remember these dedicated soldiers for their honorable service, and we grieve with the families during this tragic time,” said Reeves.

Maj. Gen. Boyles echoed the governor’s sympathy to the surviving family members of our fallen Soldiers in the Mississippi National Guard.

“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,” Boyles said.

President Joe Biden released a statement regarding the fatal crash.

“Our prayers are with their families, units, and the entire Mississippi National Guard at this incredibly difficult time. These two Guardsmen embodied the very best of our nation—bound by honor, and committed to service. We will continue to keep our solemn promise to care for their families, just as they were faithful to our nation,” the president said.

This incident is currently under investigation and further details will be released when available.

Zemek is survived by his wife of three years and their four children. His awards include the Army Commendation Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters; the Army Achievement Medal; the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters; the Senior Army Aviator Badge; and many other decorations and state awards. Zemek was a graduate of New Albany High School, class of 2005.

Abbott is survived by his wife of 18 years and their three children. His awards include the Air Medal with Valor and numeral 2; Army Commendation Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters; Army Achievement Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal with one campaign star; Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters; the Combat Action Badge; the Senior Army Aviator Badge; and many other decorations and state awards.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.