A horrifying aviation tragedy has left the nation in mourning after an American Airlines jet collided with a military helicopter, resulting in the deaths of at least sixty-seven people.
Flight 5342, which was flying from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, D.C., crashed into the Potomac River after striking a Black Hawk helicopter carrying three U.S. Army soldiers. Officials have confirmed that there were no survivors.
The disaster has deeply affected the figure skating community, as it took the lives of 1994 World Champion skaters Vadim Naumov and Eugenia Shishkova, along with social media sensations Everly and Alydia, known as the “Ice Skating Sisters.” President Donald Trump called the tragedy avoidable, echoing concerns that the accident should not have happened.
Among the victims was Elizabeth Keys, an Ohio attorney who had changed her flight to get home early for her birthday celebration. She turned 33 on the day of the accident. Her family shared their sorrow, describing her as a compassionate and fun-loving individual with an infectious energy. She had attended Tufts University and later earned a law degree from Georgetown. Her partner, David, spoke about how she always encouraged others to be their best selves.
The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation, with reports indicating that the military helicopter was on a training mission when it collided with the plane. President Trump questioned why air traffic control did not intervene to prevent the crash. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy agreed that the incident appeared to have been avoidable.
As the investigation continues, the victims’ families and friends are left to grieve the tremendous loss of lives in this heartbreaking tragedy.
