Potomac Crash

What we know about the victims of the plane, helicopter crash outside DC

American figure skaters, coaches and family members who had been at a camp in Wichita, Kansas, were among those aboard the passenger jet, according to U.S. Figure Skating.

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Sixty-seven people died after an American Airlines flight and an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night.

A search-and-rescue operation involving more than 300 first responders continued as a recovery operation Sunday.

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Here's what we know about the Flight 5342 victims and Army personnel so far.

This will be updated as more information becomes available.

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Olesya Taylor

Olesya Taylor, 50, was among the passengers on the American Airlines flight, her husband, Andrew Ter, confirmed to the Washington Post.

Taylor was traveling with her daughter, Olivia Ter, who was one of the four elite youth figure skaters on the plane. They were flying home from the U.S. Figure Skating National Development Camp.

Rebecca Lobach

On behalf of her family, the U.S. Army confirmed that the third soldier aboard the Black Hawk helicopter was Captain Rebecca Lobach of Durham, North Carolina.

The young pilot began her Army career as a "distinguished" ROTC cadet at the University of North Carolina, graduating in the top 20% of cadets nationwide, according to a statement from her family.

Following her graduation, she achieved the roles of captain and pilot-in-command. She served as a White House Military Social Aide at several events, supporting the president and first lady at events like the Medal of Honor and Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremonies.

Remembered as a caregiver and an advocate, Rebecca was also a certified Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Victim Advocate who hoped to continue her education so she could serve this country as a physician after her career in the Army.

"Rebecca was a warrior and would not hesitate to defend her country in battle," the family remembered in the statement. "But she was as graceful as she was fierce ... Rebecca cared about people, and she extended to individuals the same fearless defense she gave to this nation. 

Cpt. Rebecca M. Lobach
U.S. Army

Tommy Clagett

Tommy Clagget was another one of the friends who were traveling back from an annual duck hunting trip in Kansas, his family revealed.

Tommy, remembered in a statement by his family as "an inspirational youth soccer coach" in Newburg, Maryland, leaves behind a wife and two daughters.

"The Clagett Family is deeply grateful for all those working tirelessly to bring our loved ones home and for those helping the passengers' families navigate this devastating event," Tommy's family said in the statement. "And to the hunting excursion that helped these men enjoy their final days, we thank you."

Franco and Luciano Aparicio

Franco Aparicio was remembered for being "a gracious, disciplined and kind-hearted figure skater who pursued excellence in everything he did" in a statement from the Ashburn Ice House.

Franco was flying home from Wichita, Kansas with his dad, Luciano.

They leave behind a grieving mother and wife, Barbara, as well as two daughters and sisters, Isabella and Antonella.

Ashburn Ice House said Franco lit up every rink he stepped into with his smile "bright, infectious, and full of warmth."

The club called Luciano "the embodiment of a true skating dad."

"Always present, always cheering, always offering encouragement to his children and their friend," the statement said. "His love and dedication to his family and the skating community were unmatched. Together, Franco and Luciano were pillars of strength, kindness, and inspiration to so many of us. As we mourn this unimaginable loss, we also rally together to support Barbara, Isabella, and Antonella during this incredibly difficult time. Now, more than ever, they need our love, our prayers, and our support."

Kaiyan Mao

Mark Peters, CEO and president of MITRE, confirmed the death of Kaiyan Mao who was onboard Flight 5342 when it crashed into the Potomac River.

“Our dedicated colleague, Kaiyan Mao, was among those who lost their lives in the mid-air collision near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday evening," Peters said.

Mao joined MITRE's finance team in 2018 and was remembered for her warmth, generosity, and enthusiasm for helping others

"She made a lasting impact through her contributions and consistently brought a positive attitude and enabled a culture of collaboration," Peters said. "Our hearts are with her family and friends at this tragic time.”

Lindsey Fields

Butler Community College in Kansas announced the loss of biology instructor Lindsey Fields.

"Lindsey was a colleague, friend, and educator who dedicated her wisdom and talents to changing students’ lives every day," the school's statement read. "We owe her much gratitude for sharing her light with us and we will forever feel this loss. We send much love and support to her family and friends during this most difficult time."

Counseling services remain available, free of charge, for any student, staff or faculty member needing assistance during this time. If needed, please do not hesitate to reach out to Nancy Hamm at 316-322-3162 or email nhamm2@butlercc.edu.

The school will honor Fields and all those lives lost with a moment of silence across all Butler locations Monday, Feb. 3, at 9:45 a.m. CT.

Steve Johnson

Steve Johnson, 45, was with a group of friends who were traveling back from a hunting trip in Kansas, The Wichita Eagle reported.

Melissa Nicandri

Melissa Jane Nicandri, 28 of New York, was among the passengers on the American Airlines flight, New York City Mayor Eric Adams revealed.

Nicandri was traveling back to New York following a work trip in Kansas and had a connection through Reagan National Airport, her mother told Gothamist.

“She was an amazing woman, she was an amazing girl and had so much going for her,” Stacie Nicandri told Gothamist.

Sarah Lee Best and Elizabeth "Liz" Keys

Sarah Lee Best and Elizabeth "Liz" Keys, two associates of Washington law firm Wilkinson Stekloff, were aboard the flight, their employer confirmed to The Wall Street Journal.

“We are heartbroken by this terrible tragedy,” firm founder Beth Wilkinson said in a statement to The Wall Street Journal. “Liz and Sarah were cherished members of our firm -- wonderful attorneys, colleagues, and friends. It is hard to imagine the firm without them."

Keys had just turned 33 when she was killed in the collision, her partner David Seidman told The Washington Post. The couple met at Georgetown Law School. Keys earned her bachelor's degree at Tufts University and competed on the school's varsity sailing team for four years, according to statement from her mother, Mary Keys.

"She loved deeply and was deeply loved," Mary said. "Liz was a warm, generous woman. She was so fun — and funny! Liz had a sharp wit and appreciated it in othersGatherings were always better when Liz was there; she was filled with light and joy. Liz was a dear friend to so many, offering her best self to them all. Her hugs were wonderful!"

Lee studied undergrad at Vanderbilt University before attending the University of Pennsylvania Law School, according to her profile on the Wilkinson Stekloff website. Prior to law school, she was a high school math teacher and instructional coach in Tennessee.

Sasha Kirsanov

Sasha Kirsanov, a figure skating coach at the University of Delaware, was killed in Wednesday's crash, the college said in a release.

“With a heavy heart, we struggle to express the impact of this tragedy on our Blue Hen community,” said Chrissi Rawak, UD's athletic director.

"Coach Sasha Kirsanov's presence was felt deeply in our ice arenas, where he devoted countless hours to the UD Figure Skating Club," Rawak said, adding that his "passion and commitment touched many lives, leaving a permanent mark on our campus."

Sean Kay and Angela Yang

A statement from the University of Delaware also confirmed the loss of two skaters from the UD Figure Skating Club. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., identified the two skaters in a statement Thursday night as Sean Kay and Angela Yang.

"At this time, we are aware that Sasha Kirsanov, a former UD Figure Skating Club coach, was on the airplane. We believe two young skaters who were members of the UD Figure Skating Club also were on board," according to a statement from school president Dennis Assanis.

"Kirsanov and the skaters trained at the University’s High Performance Training Center, which uses UD ice rink facilities and has been the training home for many years of multiple world-class skating champions and competitors," Assanis added.

Julia Kay

Julia Kay, Sean's mother, was also a victim on Flight 5342. Her husband Vitali said she died in the crash with their son.

"The plane was supposed to land at 9, and I called my wife and she didn't pick up," he told CBS Philadelphia. "I thought maybe it was on airplane mode and she forgot to switch it off."

USA Today paper Delaware Online confirmed with a long-time friend of the Kay family that Julia was on the plane.

Spencer Lane

Spencer Lane, 16, was a figure skater and member of the Skating Club of Boston in Norwood, Massachusetts. The club's CEO and executive director, Doug Zeghibe, confirmed he was on board.

Christine Lane

Christine Lane was the mother of Spencer Lane. Zeghibe said she had accompanied her son on the trip back from the National Development Camp in Wichita, Kansas.

Jinna Han

Jinna Han, 16, was a figure skater and member of the Skating Club of Boston. She and Spencer Lane were talented athletes and young leaders, Zeghibe said.

During the 2022 Beijing Olympics, 10-year-old Jinna Han, a member of the Skating Club of Boston, spoke about her excitement for the figure skating competition and her own Olympic dreams — "probably 2032?" Jinna died in the mid-air collision between American Airlines Fight 5342 and a military helicopter over Washington, D.C. on Jan. 29, 2025. She was 13.

Jin Han

Jin Han was the mother of Jinna Han. Zeghibe said the Skating Club of Boston is a tight-knit community with family and skaters coming together six or seven days a week.

Evgenia Shishkova

Evgenia Shishkova was a former world champion and a coach of the Skating Club of Boston. The 52-year-old had 20 years of coaching experience, according to the club website.

Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov during an interview with NBC10 Boston.
NBC10 Boston
Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov during an interview with NBC10 Boston.

Vadim Naumov

Vadim Naumov was also a former world champion and coach of the Skating Club of Boston. The 55-year-old won the pairs figure skating event at the 1994 World Figure Skating Championships with Shishkova, according to the club website.

Naumov and Shishkova have a son, Maxim Naumov, who also trains in Norwood. He returned home on an earlier plane, according to Zeghibe.

Inna Volyanskaya

Inna Volyanskaya, an ice skating coach in Ashburn, Virginia, was also on the plane, according to a post from U.S. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam. Volyanskaya competed internationally then performed in ice theater, according to the website for Ashburn Ice House, where she coached.

Brielle Beyer and Justyna Magdalena Beyer

Figure skater Brielle Beyer, 12, and her mother, Justyna Magdalena Beyer, were on board the flight, Justyna's sister, Mariola Witkowska, confirmed to NBC News. The daughter and mother, who lived in a Virginia suburb of Washington, were in Wichita so Brielle could sharpen her skating skills.

“We’re heartbroken,” Witkowska said. “We’re just in shock.”

Brielle, she said, had been skating “her whole life,” and her mother shared her passion. “Brielle and ice skating was pretty much her life,” Witkowska said of her sister.

Samuel Lilley

Samuel Lilley, 28, was serving as First Officer on the American Eagle jet, his stepmother confirmed to NBC News.

"We will want to tell his story eventually," Sheri Lilley said. "He was a wonderful person.”

His father posted on Facebook: "I was so proud when Sam became a pilot. Now it hurts so bad I can’t even cry myself to sleep. I know I’ll see him again, but my heart is breaking. He was doing great in his career and his personal life. He was engaged to get married in the fall."

The Richmond Hill, Georgia, native ran track in high school and is being remembered by friends for his kindness and positive attitude.

"No matter who he was talking to, he had a very kind soul and a very bright soul," said friend Tanner Hicks. "You know, I remember days at track, you know, coming into practice. Everybody's tired. Everybody is, you know, beat from the workout. He was very uplifting. Never complained once — just very motivating as a person and as a teammate. No matter the conversation, no matter the topic, he was very — just a very kind soul."

Jonathan Campos

Jonathan Campos was the pilot of the American Eagle flight.

Campos was a 2015 graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida.

"Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Captain Jonathan Campos," the university said in a statement. Our thoughts are with his family and the families and loved ones of all impacted by this tragic accident."

Ian Epstein

Ian Epstein was a flight attendant on the plane, his sister, Robbie Epstein Bloom, confirmed.

"He loved being a flight attendant because he truly enjoyed traveling and meeting new people," Bloom said in a statement. "But his true love was his family. He was a father, a stepfather, a husband and a brother! He will be truly missed."

Danasia Brown

Danasia Brown was the other flight attendant on the plane, her cousin-by-marriage, Carolyn Edwards, confirmed to NBC News.

Four crew members aboard the doomed American Eagle flight were among the 64 victims. Loved ones remember their lives, careers, and lasting impact. NBC 5's Maria has the story.

Mikey Stovall

Mikey Stovall was aboard the flight with seven friends, his mother, Christina Stovall, told NBC Washington. They were returning from an annual duck hunting trip in Kansas.

"From when he was little, everybody will tell you, Mikey loves everybody," Christina said.

Mikey, a Maryland native, worked as a steamfitter and was part of Steamfitters UA Local 602, Christina said. The union had announced it lost four members in the crash, but did not release names.

Mikey, who had a wife of 14 years, also coached his 11-year-old son's Little League baseball team for the past few years, Christina said. The family had planned to go on a snowboarding trip this week.

Christina Stovall’s son, Charles County resident Mikey Stovall, was aboard the flight with seven of his friends. They were coming back from an annual duck hunting trip in Kansas. He leaves behind a wife and an 11-year-old son.

Charles "Charlie" McDaniel

McDaniel was one of four members of the UA Local 602 who died in the flight.

The 44-year-old steamfitter had been employed for 22 years, the United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters said.

"We are saddened to confirm the five United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) members who were on board American Airlines Fight 5342," the union said in a statement to NBC Washington.

Jonathan Boyd

Beside McDaniel, the 40-year-old Boyd was the longest-tenured steamfitter in the UA Local 602 group that was flying home from Kansas. He had been with the union for two decades.

Alexander "Alex" Huffman

The 34-year-old Huffman had worked for the local union for nine years.

Jesse Pitcher

The 30-year-old Pitcher was also a steamfitter with UA Local 5. He had worked for eight years, the union statement said.

Asra Hussain

Hamaad Raza told NBC News' Lester Holt he was waiting at Reagan National Airport to pick up his wife, Asra Hussain, who was returning from a business trip in Wichita.

"I was going to pick her up from departures, like I always do," Raza said. "This was a pretty routine trip for her, and I always pick her up from departures, and I always help her load the bag into the car and give her a big hug and a kiss and and then off we go. I had dinner waiting at home."

Raza said he was texting with his wife during the flight, but his messages then wouldn't go through.

"I don't think I've fully come to grips," he added. "I just have spent the last, you know, 24 hours thinking about my wife in that plane and what was going through her head, and I just have not processed it yet."

Raza and Hussain met in college and had been married for more than two years. Hussain worked as a consultant, the same career as Raza.

Asra Hussain (Courtesy: Raza Family)

"My wife was such a giver," Raza said. "I mean, she gave and she gave and she gave almost to the point of where she didn't think about herself enough. I mean, she made me feel so loved."

"She truly cared about our relationship and about me, and it made me feel like the luckiest husband alive," he added.

Kiah Duggins

The parents of Kiah Duggins confirmed to NBC News that she was one of the passengers on the plane.

Among the victims of the Potomac crash was Kiah Duggins, a civil rights lawyer and professor who was about to start at Howard University. News4's Dominique Moody reports.

“We are coming to terms with the grief associated with the loss of our beautiful and accomplished firstborn," her parents said in a statement. "Please respect our family’s privacy at this time.”

Kiah Duggins (Courtesy: Dr. & Mrs. Duggins)

Duggins was slated to start as a professor at the Howard University School of Law in the fall. She most recently worked at the Civil Rights Corp, where she litigated "on behalf of movements challenging unconstitutional policing and money bail practices in Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, D.C.," according to the Civil Rights Corps website.

Duggins was a graduate of Harvard Law School and earned bachelor's degrees at Wichita State. Her Civil Rights Corps profile said she enjoyed international travel, dancing and "asking about people’s daily magical moments."

Casey Crafton

Crafton was a father of three sons and a volunteer youth soccer coach from Salem, Connecticut, NBC Connecticut reported.

"Salem has lost a dedicated father, husband, and community member," Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement. "Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time."

Olivia Eve Ter

Ter was a 12-year-old girl from Prince George's County, Maryland, and was one of the four elite youth skaters from the D.C. region to attend the U.S. Figure Skating training camp in Wichita, Kansas, this week.

"The impact of Olivia’s life will continue to resonate in our youth sports community, and she will be sorely missed,” Prince George’s County Parks and Recreation said in a statement. “We extend our deepest condolences to the Ter family, friends, teammates, and all those affected by this devastating loss."

One of the talented young figure skaters killed in the Potomac crash was a 12-year-old girl from Prince George's County, Maryland. News4's Arielle Hixson reports.

Andrew Eaves

Mississippi State Representative Michael Guest confirmed that one of the soldiers aboard the Black Hawk helicopter was Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves.

Eaves, 39, was from the small town of Brooksville in eastern Mississippi, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said.

"Andrew was a kind, loving, fun-loving and patriotic man," Eaves' family said in a statement.

"He loved his wife and kids fiercely and would have done anything to take care of them. He was a great son and loved his mom and brother dearly. He was an absolute joy to be around and would light up every room he entered, and was always the life of the party. He was a true all-American hero, and will be deeply missed by anyone lucky enough to have known him."

Ryan O'Hara

Ryan O'Hara, 28, of Lilburn, Georgia, was one of the three soldiers aboard the Black Hawk helicopter.

“Ryan was just the most committed, disciplined person I remember working with,” said Josh Muehlendorf, a senior instructor pilot in the U.S. Army. “He had such great integrity.”

The two flew together numerous times on the same route in D.C. several years prior to the fatal crash and O’Hara took rules and procedures seriously, according to Mehlendorf.

“Ryan was one of those crew chiefs who always had our back,” he said. “It’s really hard to stomach [the loss of] a guy as professional and excellent as he was.”

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp also acknowledged the loss of O'Hara, as well as the American Eagle flight's First Officer Samuel Lilley. Both men were natives of Georgia.

"We send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Ryan O’Hara and Sam Lilley as they navigate this difficult time," Kemp wrote. "Both of these young Georgians shared a passion for flight and for serving others, and this terrible tragedy is that much more difficult knowing their lives were cut so unexpectedly short."

Lori Schrock and Robert “Bob” Schrock

Lori Schrock, 56, and Robert “Bob” Schrock, 58, from Kiowa, Kansas, were passengers on the plane, according to their daughter.

The Schrocks lived in Kiowa, Kansas, about 90 miles southwest of Wichita.

A 10-year-old girl who belongs to the Ashburn Ice House skate club lost four of her friends and coach in the Potomac River plane crash. News4's Drew Wilder reports.

They were traveling from Wichita to Washington en route to see their daughter Ellie, a junior at Villanova University outside of Philadelphia.

Speaking to the Washington Post, Ellie said she was excited about seeing her parents this week and knew their flight number before she saw the tragic news on television.

Vikesh Patel

Larry Culp, chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace, has confirmed that one of the plane crash victims was Vikesh Patel

“This is a tragedy not only for our industry, but also for the GE Aerospace team as one of our cherished colleagues, Vikesh Patel, was onboard the flight," Culp wrote. "Our hearts are with his family and all those impacted by this horrific accident.”  

Patel had recently switched jobs at the company, according to his LinkedIn page, and was employed as an MRO Transformational Leader who traveled around the country.

Grace Maxwell

Cedarville University student Grace Maxwell, 20, was on the American Eagle flight after attending her grandfather's funeral, the university said in a press conference this morning.

Thomas White, president of the Ohio college, told reporters that he spoke to Maxwell's father yesterday after the news broke of the crash.

"You know, I talked to her dad. I said, 'What can we do?'" White said. "There’s no words that make this OK. There’s nothing that makes this easier. I can’t say anything that takes away your hurt or your pain."

White said Maxwell's father revealed that she was on the plane because she was returning back to campus in Ohio after attending funeral services for her grandfather in her hometown of Wichita.

“Can you imagine losing a parent and seven days later losing a child?” White said.

The university president said Maxwell was a junior majoring in mechanical engineering and that the college "grieves the loss of a great student."

Pergentino N. Malabed

The Philippines National Police has confirmed the death of Police Col. Pergentino N. Malabed, who was on board the American Eagle plane that collided midair with the U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter.

Malabed, chief of the supply management division, was on official travel at the time of the crash, according to the PNP. The PNP described his death as a significant loss to the force, highlighting his years of dedicated service.

“His untimely passing is a profound loss to the PNP, where he served with honor, integrity, and dedication throughout his career,” the PNP said on Facebook Friday. “His contributions to the PNP and the nation will never be forgotten.”

Everly, Alydia, Donna and Peter Livingston

People grieving the loss of the Livingston family have left bouquets of flowers outside the front door of the family's home in Ashburn, Virginia on Friday.

Everly Livingston, 14, and her sister Alydia Livingston, 11, were traveling with their parents Donna and Peter Livingston, NBC affiliate WJAC-TV reported. Family members confirmed to the news station that all four died in the crash.

A photo taken outside their home Friday shows numerous flower arrangements, some with notes, standing up on the front step along with votive candles.

Roger, Stephanie and Cory Haynos

Roger Haynos, his wife, Stephanie, and their son Cory were headed back from the skating competition, two of Roger Haynos' cousins, Matthew LaRaviere and Leah Bucher, confirmed.

The couple were incredible parents who created a loving home for their two children, the cousins said. Roger Haynos had retired early to support Cory in his figure skating career and the family was so proud of him and his talent, they said.

Wendy Jo Shaffer

Wendy Jo Shaffer, a wife and mother of two young boys from North Carolina, was also killed, according to a verified online fundraiser.

Nate Shaffer, Wendy's husband, said in a statement that he was "still waiting to wake up from this nightmare."

“Wendy was the heart of her family — a loving partner to her husband and a nurturing, joyful mother to her children," the fundraiser homepage reads. "She dedicated her life to creating a warm, loving home filled with laughter and care. Her boys were her greatest pride and joy, and she dreamed of watching them grow into the amazing individuals she knew they would become.”

Chris Collins

The Massachusetts native is remembered as a beloved husband, son, brother and uncle with a passion for adventure.

"His talent as a financial professional brought him to New York City, where he fell in love with a city girl, his cherished wife Jen," his family wrote in a statement. "While Jen and Chris built a joy-filled city life together, Chris’ call to the outdoors never wavered, whether it was hiking Lögberg in Iceland, camping and rafting in the Great Smoky Mountains, skiing and snowboarding, and most of all, enjoying the coastal outdoor landscape of Brewster, MA and the rest of Cape Cod."

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