UPDATE: Two Idaho National Guard Soldiers Killed in Helicopter Crash

BOISE, Idaho (KTVB) -- Two Idaho Army National Guard soldiers died when their Apache helicopter crashed about two miles south of Gowen Field and the Boise Airport Thursday night, officials said.

National Guard officials identified the men as 50-year-old Stien P. Gearhart of Meridian and 43-year-old Jon L. Hartway of Kuna.

Both men were ranked Chief Warrant Officer 4, and were assigned to the 1-183rdAttack Reconnaissance Battalion at Gowen Field.

The crash happened at about 7 p.m. near the intersection of Pleasant Valley Road and Hollilynn Drive.

Idaho National Guard spokesman Col. Tim Marsano said the crew members on board the helicopter were on a local nighttime training mission.

BOISE, Idaho (KTVB) -- Two Idaho Army National Guard soldiers died when their Apache helicopter crashed about two miles South of Gowen Field and the Boise Airport Thursday night, officials said. The crash happened at about 7 p.m. near the intersection of Pleasant Valley Road and Hollilynn Drive.  Idaho National Guard spokesman Col. Tim Marsano said the crew members on board the helicopter were on a local night time training mission. The men and women of the Idaho National Guard are united in grief at the loss of two of our brothers in arms, who gave their lives while training to defend our nation," said Idaho National Guard Commander, Major General Gary Sayler in a statement. "Today, our thoughts and prayers are with their families." The Ada County Coroner's Office will be performing the autopsies on the two crash victims.

Ada County Coroner Erwin Sonnenberg confirmed both victims were male. The National Guard is waiting to notify next of kin before their names are released. The helicopter that crashed is one of 16 Apaches based at Gowen Field. Marsano said it sent an automated beacon after it crashed. The cause of the crash is not yet known and an investigation is under way. We will continue to bring you the latest information as it becomes available.