The tragic collision involving an Army helicopter and an American Airlines plane has left families and friends in mourning. They are turning to social media to express their grief while seeking more information about the incident.
The devastating event took place near Reagan National Airport just before 9 p.m. on Wednesday, resulting in the presumed loss of all 67 individuals on board both aircraft.
Tim Lilley identified his son, 28-year-old Sam Lilley, as first officer on American Airlines flight 5342.
“Sam’s decision to pursue a career as a pilot brought us immense pride. The pain of his sudden departure is indescribable. Though I find solace in the belief that we will reunite one day, the current anguish is overwhelming,” shared Tim Lilley in a heartfelt Facebook message. “Sam held the position of First Officer on the ill-fated flight in DC. He was excelling both professionally and personally, with plans to exchange vows later this year.”
File photo of Ian Epstein who was a flight attendant aboard the PSA American Airlines plane that crashed in Washington DC, Wednesday, January 29, 2025. (Epstein Family)
Loudoun County Public Schools in Virginia announced that multiple victims were former students in the school system.
“Our hearts are heavy as we process the devastating news of last night’s tragic plane crash over the Potomac River involving an American Airlines flight and an Army helicopter. This unimaginable loss has deeply affected our community, and with great sorrow, we have learned that multiple victims were former LCPS students,” the school district said in a release Thursday. “Many other Loudoun families have also been impacted, and we extend our deepest condolences to all those grieving in the wake of this tragedy.”
Doug Zeghibe, the CEO of the Skating Club of Boston, said Thursday that six of its members died in the collision last night.
Zeghibe said 14 skaters were returning home from a national development camp in Wichita, Kansas and six of them were members of his organization.
World champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov of Russia execute a throw during the pairs short competition at the World Figure Skating competition in Edmonton, Alberta, March 19, 1996. (Dave Buston/The Canadian Press via AP, File)
“Our sport and this club have suffered a horrible loss with this tragedy,” Zeghibe said. “Skating is a tight-knit community where parents and kids come together six or seven days a week to train and work together. Everyone is like family. We are devastated and completely at a loss for words.”
“Six is a horrific number for us, but we’re fortunate and grateful it wasn’t more than six,” Zeghibe said. “This will have long-reaching impacts for our skating community.
Two of the members were coaches who were former world pair champions and two were teenagers. Mothers of the athletes died as well, he added.
The Kremlin said Thusday that Russian figure skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who competed in multiple Olympic Games and medaled in multiple world championships, were among those aboard the American Airlines flight.
This is a developing story.
Fox News’ Greg Norman and Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.
Stepheny Price is writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Story tips and ideas can be sent to [email protected]
