The Army Black Hawk helicopter involved in the tragic collision with an American Airlines passenger jet over Reagan Washington National Airport had its crew chief and one of the pilots identified.Â
The wife of Chief Warrant Office 2 Andrew Eaves, of Mississippi, confirmed his death on social media.
Expressing her emotions on Facebook, one of the pilot’s spouses mentioned, “I am sure by now all of you have heard the news of the tragedy that has occurred in DC. My husband was one of the pilots in the Blackhawk. We ask that you pray for our family and friends and for all the other families that are suffering today. We ask for peace while we grieve.”
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said the state was mourning the loss of Eaves.
Sharing the loss felt by Mississippi, the Governor expressed, “Mississippi is mourning the loss of Brooksville native Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves, who was killed in last night’s accident at Reagan National Airport.” He continued by mentioning, “Elee and I are praying for the victims’ families and first responders who are assisting.”
In a blunt Truth Social post, President Donald Trump called the crash “a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented.”
Shortly after the collision, Vice President JD Vance urged people to “say a prayer for everyone involved.”