A devastating midair collision near Reagan National Airport outside Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, claimed the lives of 67 individuals aboard an Army helicopter and an American Airlines plane. As investigations continue into the cause of this heartbreaking incident, families, friends, and communities mourn the loss of their loved ones. This article pays tribute to the victims, sharing their stories and celebrating their lives.

Military Personnel and Crew

Among the victims was Mississippi native Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves, one of the Army pilots. His wife, Carrie, shared her grief on social media, requesting prayers for all affected families. Another pilot, Jonathan Campos, had dreamed of flying since childhood. Fellow pilot Nicholas Shaw recalled their last conversation, a poignant reminder of the suddenness of the tragedy. Ryan O’Hara, the Black Hawk's crew chief, was remembered for his dedication to safety and training.

The American Airlines crew included First Officer Sam Lilley, who was looking forward to his wedding in the fall. Flight attendant Ian Epstein's family described his love for travel and meeting new people. Another flight attendant, Danasia Elder, was a wife and mother who pursued her dream career with passion and encouraged others to do the same. Wendy Shaffer, also a mother of two young children, was remembered for her kindness and strength.

Passengers with Diverse Backgrounds

The passenger list reflected a wide range of lives and passions. Casey Crafton, a youth soccer coach and father of three, was mourned by his Connecticut community. Grace Maxwell, a biomedical engineering student, was returning from her grandfather's funeral. Philippine Police Col. Pergentino Malabed Jr. was in the U.S. on official business. Bob and Lori Schrock, Kansas farmers, were on their way to visit their daughter. Vikesh Patel, an aerospace engineer, was remembered by his colleagues at GE Aerospace. Kiah Duggins, an attorney and professor, was praised for her advocacy work and dedication to justice. Asra Hussain texted her husband just minutes before the crash, a heartbreaking reminder of the sudden loss. Melissa Jane Nicandri, a young professional, was returning from a work trip.

The Figure Skating Community in Mourning

The crash deeply impacted the figure skating world, with several coaches and athletes among the victims. Spencer Lane, Jinna Han, and their mothers were returning from a training camp. World champion skaters and coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, along with renowned coach Inna Volyanskaya, were also lost. The Livingston family – Donna, Peter, and their daughters Everly and Alydia – were remembered for their love of skating and family. Coach Alexandr "Sasha" Kirsanov and his young students, Sean Kay and Angela Yang, were also victims, their promising futures tragically cut short. Edward Zhou, another young skater, was remembered for his cheerful spirit, along with his parents, Kaiyan and Joe. Franco Aparicio, 13, and his father Luciano, were also part of the skating community. Cory Haynos, a promising skater, was traveling with his parents, Stephanie and Roger.

Southern Maryland Hunting Group

A group of friends and business owners from Southern Maryland were returning from their annual hunting trip. Among them were Jesse Pitcher, Tommy Clagett, Mikey Stovall, Robert Prewitt, Jonathan Boyd, Alex Huffman, and Steve Johnson. They were remembered as dedicated family men, community members, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Community Support and Remembrance

In the aftermath of the tragedy, communities have rallied to support the grieving families, establishing GoFundMe pages and sharing memories of their loved ones. The loss of these 67 individuals is a profound tragedy, and their stories serve as a reminder of the preciousness of life.