Roadside Marker in Harvest Honors Two Tennessee Guardsmen Killed in 2023 Helicopter Crash

A new highway sign in Harvest now honors two Tennessee National Guard aviators who died when their helicopter went down at the site last year.

State Rep. Andy Whitt, R-Harvest, arranged for the memorial marker, which stands on Alabama Highway 53 north of Huntsville, where the crash happened. Whitt made a charitable donation to pay for the sign.

The marker recognizes Chief Officer Daniel Wadham of Joelton, Tenn., and Chief Warrant Officer Danny Randolph of Murfreesboro, Tenn. Both men were killed on Feb. 15, 2023, when the aircraft came down in the median between the northbound and southbound lanes of Alabama 53, close to the intersection with Burwell Road.

"This memorial marker honors their service and dedication to our country," Whitt said. "I also hope it gives the family the closure and peace they deserve." He added: "It is the least I can do and I want their service to always be remembered."

In a statement, Whitt said the two men "served our country with dignity, courage, and honor," and that the community will always remember the day of the crash. A former volunteer firefighter, he said responders are trained for emergencies, but the scene that first responders described was something no one could truly be prepared for and that no one had seen before.

According to a news release from Whitt's office, the crew had refueled at Huntsville International Airport and then made a stop in Enterprise. They later returned to Huntsville to refuel again.

The release said that shortly after the helicopter took off from the airport, it began spinning out of control near houses and businesses. The crew brought the aircraft down in the median.

Whitt said he believes the two men chose to land where they did in order to reduce the potential loss of life. "To me they are both true heroes," he said.