A devastating collision between a regional jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C. on Wednesday night has resulted in the loss of 67 lives. The tragic crash, which occurred over the Potomac River, is the deadliest U.S. aviation disaster in over a decade. The plane, which had departed from Wichita, Kansas, was on its approach to Reagan National Airport when it collided with the Black Hawk. Both aircraft broke into pieces, and no survivors were found.
Among the victims were 64 passengers aboard the American Airlines flight, including several families, figure skaters, and athletes, as well as three Army soldiers in the helicopter. The Skating Club of Boston confirmed the heartbreaking loss of multiple members, including renowned coaches Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, who were both world champions in pairs competition. Also killed were Jinna Han and her mother Jin Han, as well as Spencer Lane, a 16-year-old figure skater, and his mother Christine Lane.
The crash also claimed the lives of Samuel Lilley, the 24-year-old first officer on the American Airlines flight, who was recently engaged. His sister, Tiffany Gibson, described him as a passionate traveler and adventurer. Ian Epstein, a flight attendant on the flight, also perished. Epstein was remembered fondly by his family as a devoted father, husband, and brother.
The tragedy extends to the Beyer family, who lost mother Justyna and daughter Brielle, aged 12. Brielle, a dedicated figure skater who had beaten cancer as a baby, had been attending the U.S. Figure Skating National Development Camp in Wichita. Brielle’s father, Andy Beyer, spoke emotionally about his daughter’s accomplishments and bright spirit.
Other victims include Alexandr Kirsanov, a coach who was accompanying youth skaters, and Wendy Jo Shaffer, whose family has requested privacy as they mourn her loss. This heartbreaking tragedy has left a community of families and friends in profound grief as they process the unimaginable loss.
