WASHINGTON, D.C. – A devastating midair collision between an American Eagle passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport claimed the lives of 67 people on Wednesday night. Among the victims was Elizabeth Anne Keys, a 33-year-old Cincinnati native, who tragically perished on her birthday while returning to Washington, D.C., from a work trip.

The collision occurred at approximately 7:52 p.m. ET, just 20 minutes before the scheduled landing of American Eagle Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700 jet operated by PSA Airlines for American Airlines. The regional jet, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, was struck midair by a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on a routine training mission, sending both aircraft plummeting into the Potomac River below. Officials have confirmed there were no survivors.

A Birthday Tragedy: Elizabeth Anne Keys’ Final Journey

Elizabeth Anne Keys, a dedicated professional from Cincinnati, Ohio, had been on a business trip before boarding Flight 5342 to return home to Washington, D.C. What should have been a joyous occasion—celebrating her 33rd birthday—turned into an unimaginable tragedy.

Family and friends described Keys as a kind, ambitious, and intelligent woman who had worked tirelessly in her career. “She had the world ahead of her,” said her best friend, Maria Langston, in an emotional statement. “She was celebrating another year of life, and then this horrific accident took her away from us.”

Her devastated parents, Robert and Linda Keys of Cincinnati, issued a heartfelt statement: “Elizabeth was our shining light, our pride and joy. She was flying home from a successful work trip, and we had just spoken to her to wish her a happy birthday. We cannot believe she is gone.”

Other Victims Identified

Authorities have released the names of additional victims who were onboard Flight 5342:

Flight Crew:

• Captain Jonathan Campos, 34 – Pilot
• First Officer Samuel Lilley, 29 – Co-pilot
• Ian Epstein – Flight Attendant
• Danasia Elder – Flight Attendant

Passengers:

• Kiah Duggins, Future Howard University Professor
• Everly & Lydia Livingston, Figure Skating Sisters from Virginia
• Spencer Lane, U.S. Figure Skater
• Yevgenia Shishkova & Vadim Naumov, Former Russian Figure Skating Champions
• Angela Yang, Rising Skating Star
• Franco Aparicio, Skating Coach
• Sean Kay, Competitive Skater
• Jinna Han & Edward Zhou, Ice Dancing Partners
• Asra Hussain, 26, Texted Husband Moments Before the Crash

Black Hawk Crew Members Lost in the Crash

The three Army personnel aboard the Black Hawk helicopter also lost their lives:

• Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Eaves – Pilot
• Ryan O’Hara – Crew Chief, leaves behind a wife and 1-year-old son
• Unnamed Third Soldier – Military officials are working to confirm next of kin

Eyewitness Accounts of the Catastrophic Collision

Witnesses described a horrifying fireball in the night sky as the aircraft collided just 400 feet above the Potomac River. Local resident James Whitmore, who was jogging near the Arlington Memorial Bridge at the time of the crash, recalled, “I heard this deafening explosion, and then I saw fire raining down. It was like something out of a nightmare.”

Rescue efforts began immediately, with the U.S. Coast Guard, D.C. Fire and EMS, and National Guard units rushing to the scene. However, given the intensity of the impact and the water submersion, officials confirmed that no survivors were found.

Investigation Underway

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a full investigation into the cause of the collision. Early reports suggest potential miscommunication between air traffic control and the military aircraft.

Military officials have stated that the Black Hawk helicopter was conducting a routine training exercise but did not elaborate on whether it had received proper clearance to operate in such close proximity to civilian air traffic.

The tragedy has prompted former President Donald Trump to comment on social media, calling the crash “a preventable disaster” and demanding an immediate review of air traffic control procedures.

Memorial Services Planned

Elizabeth Anne Keys’ family has announced that a memorial service will be held in Cincinnati next week, followed by a second service in Washington, D.C. “We want to honor her in both the places she loved most,” her mother, Linda Keys, shared.

The figure skating community, military personnel, and airline employees have also expressed their grief, planning joint vigils for all victims of the crash.

Final Thoughts

The midair collision near Reagan National Airport is being called one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent U.S. history, with 67 lives lost, including pilots, crew members, military personnel, and talented young individuals with promising futures.

As authorities continue their investigation, families of the victims are left grappling with an unimaginable loss. The tragic irony of Elizabeth Anne Keys’ final birthday flight serves as a painful reminder of how precious and fragile life can be.

The entire nation mourns for those lost in this senseless disaster.