Who are the victims of the DC plane crash?
Recovery efforts are ongoing in Washington DC following a tragic collision on Wednesday night between an American Airlines flight from Kansas, carrying 64 passengers, and a military helicopter with three crew members aboard. Among the victims are prominent figures from the worlds of law, aviation, and sports, as well as a young pilot, flight attendants, and a lawyer traveling home on her birthday.
Plane Passengers
Asra Hussain Raza
Asra Hussain Raza, a 26-year-old from Indiana, had recently moved to Washington DC after earning a master's degree in hospital management. She was returning from a work trip where she had been helping improve a struggling hospital. Her husband, Hamaad Raza, shared that Asra was passionate about her work and had much more to give, although her life was tragically cut short.
Professor Kiah Duggins
Howard University confirmed that Professor Kiah Duggins, a civil rights lawyer, was among the victims. She had been set to teach at the university's School of Law. Duggins had dedicated her career to fighting against unconstitutional policing and unjust bail practices in Tennessee, Texas, and Washington DC.
Sarah Lee Best
Sarah Lee Best, 33, a lawyer from DC, was also on board. Her husband, Daniel Solomon, described her as kind and hardworking. The couple had planned to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary in Hawaii in May.
Elizabeth Keys
33-year-old lawyer Elizabeth Keys passed away on her birthday. Her partner, David Seidman, remembered her as someone who could make any situation fun. She and Sarah Lee Best worked at the same law firm, Wilkinson Stekloff, which paid tribute to them as "cherished members" of the team.
Casey Crafton
Tributes poured in for Casey Crafton, a dedicated father, husband, and community member from Salem, Connecticut. The town was heartbroken over his loss, with Salem Little League describing him as a beloved coach and community member.
Michael Stovall
Michael Stovall, known as Mikey, was described by his mother as the happiest person, always seeing the good in others. He was returning from an annual hunting trip with friends and was remembered as the life of the party.
Jesse Pitcher
Jesse Pitcher, 30, was traveling with his close friend Michael Stovall. Pitcher had recently married and started his own business, and his family recalled how he was just beginning his life.
Pergentino N. Malabed
Colonel Pergentino N. Malabed, the director of the Philippine National Police's Supply Management Division, was also aboard. He had been in the US with two other officers to evaluate police vests for purchase and was en route to the Philippine embassy when the crash occurred.
Plane Crew
Jonathan J. Campos
Captain Jonathan J. Campos, 34, had dreamed of flying since he was three years old. Raised in Brooklyn, New York, he had worked for PSA Airlines, a part of American Airlines, for eight years.
Sam Lilley
Sam Lilley, 28, was a young pilot engaged to be married. His family described him as an adventurous spirit with a bright future ahead. His father recalled how his son had quickly earned his pilot's license, pursuing it with passion and determination.
These individuals were part of the diverse group affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.
Ian Epstein
Ian Epstein, a Virginia resident, was a flight attendant on the plane, according to his family. Known for his ability to bring smiles to others, he was described as "full of life." Epstein, 53, loved his job because it allowed him to travel and meet new people, but his true passion was for his family. He was a father, stepfather, husband, and brother, and his family expressed that he would be deeply missed.
Danasia Elder
Danasia Elder, also a flight attendant, was remembered by her family in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her brother-in-law, Brandon Payne, honored her as "full of life" and praised her for being a great wife, parent, and friend. He described her as bright, smart, and determined to pursue her dream of being a flight attendant. Payne shared that Elder would want others to follow their dreams, saying, "Chase your dreams, no matter what. Don't let anything scare you or push you away. Believe in yourself, believe in God, and follow the path."
Ryan O'Hara
Ryan O'Hara, 29, was the crew chief of the Black Hawk helicopter involved in the collision with the passenger plane, according to CBS News. He leaves behind a wife and one-year-old son. O'Hara was remembered fondly by his local Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program, where he was known for his work fixing things around the gym and as a key member of the rifle team.
The tragic crash involving an American Airlines plane and a military helicopter in Washington DC on Wednesday night also claimed the lives of top figure skaters from the US and Russia. Among the victims was a young pilot, flight attendants, and a lawyer, including individuals like Asra Hussain Raza, 26, a hospital management specialist, and Professor Kiah Duggins, a civil rights lawyer from Howard University.
In addition to these, Sarah Lee Best and Elizabeth Keys, both lawyers, were remembered by colleagues and loved ones. Best was described as kind and hard-working, while Keys was known for her ability to bring joy to any situation. A tragic note was added with Keys passing on her birthday.
Other victims include Casey Crafton, a beloved community member and father, Michael Stovall, a happy and well-loved individual, and Jesse Pitcher, a young businessman. Additionally, Philippine Colonel Pergentino N. Malabed was confirmed to be on board, along with the plane crew, including Captain Jonathan J. Campos and flight attendants Ian Epstein and Danasia Elder, who were also remembered for their dedication and warmth.
On the helicopter, Ryan O'Hara and Andrew Eaves, both military personnel, lost their lives in the collision. O'Hara, known for his work with ROTC, and Eaves, a dedicated pilot, left behind grieving families.
This devastating crash has left countless families, friends, and communities heartbroken.
Spencer Lane, 16, and his mother Christine Lane, 49, tragically lost their lives, along with at least 14 other athletes and coaches, while returning from a skate camp in Wichita. Spencer's father, Douglas Lane, shared with local media that his son was "a force of nature," known for his determination and passion for ice skating. Spencer trained five days a week at the Skating Club of Boston, balancing his online high school education with his commitment to the sport.
Douglas also spoke highly of his wife, describing her as "a creative powerhouse" who would do anything for their children.
Jinna Han, 13, was another athlete who traveled to the camp with her mother, Jin. In a 2022 interview, Jinna expressed her excitement for the Olympics, saying, "It's just so exciting... anything can happen at the Olympics." Doug Zeghibe, from the Skating Club of Boston, described Jin as a "wonderful, pleasant, polite" person, always supportive and appreciative of not only her daughter Jinna but all the athletes. He praised her as a model parent in the sport, noting that people like her were not always easy to come by.
Cory Haynos, along with his parents Roger Haynos and Stephanie Branton Haynos, was returning home from Kansas when the tragic crash occurred, as confirmed by a family member on social media.
Matthew Alan LaRavier, Roger's cousin, expressed his admiration for Roger's unwavering love for his family and his commitment to providing the best for them. LaRavier also remembered Cory as a talented skater with a promising future, noting that many had expected him to represent the United States in future Olympic Games.
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