Wheaton College alum dies in helicopter crash in northern Italy
On a day Wheaton College students gathered to honor military veterans across the country, the morning began instead with a prayer for the fading life of one of their own.
Word reached the college campus of a U.S. Army helicopter crash in northern Italy Thursday. Eleven U.S. service members were on board the UH-60 Army Black Hawk when it went down in a swampy field, breaking into at least two pieces.
Sophomore Lars Skoglund then received a call from his parents in Racine, Wis., with the news that his brother, Christian, was a pilot on the helicopter.
Christian Skoglund was unconscious but breathing. Just seven years ago, he, too, was a student at Wheaton College. He earned a degree in environmental science while playing ice hockey and soccer. College officials said he went on to become a military pilot based at Fort Rucker, Ala.
Earlier Coverage Stories U.S. military helicopter crashes in Italy; at least 5 dead [11/08/07]
Lars notified the college's chaplain, who led the campus in prayer for the soldier during morning chapel.
Christian's wounds, however, proved fatal. He became one of at least five to die in the smoldering crash. The cause of the accident is undetermined.
College officials proceeded with their planned Veterans Day ceremony Thursday evening, keeping Christian and Lars in their prayers.
"We're thankful for all of our veterans, the 120 cadets currently serving in the world and the 33 currently deployed in the war on terror," said Lt. Col. Lars Jacobson, assistant professor of military science. "We're also praying for cadet Lars Skoglund in today's death of his brother, 2000 Wheaton College ROTC graduate Christian Skoglund.
"Christian was aboard the helicopter that crashed during a training exercise this morning in northern Italy."
Jacobson did not know Christian personally but said Lars spoke highly of his Army aviator brother.
"This was a tragedy in every sense of the word for everyone involved, and today we also remember them and their families."
The Skoglund family confirmed Christian's death Thursday evening from their Wisconsin home where Lars has joined them in mourning. They declined further comment.