Tragic Crash of American Eagle Flight 5342: 19 Confirmed Dead, Recovery Operations Continue in Potomac River
Published on January 30, 2025 by Channel2 NOW Staff

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A newly released photograph has revealed the catastrophic wreckage of PSA Airlines-operated American Eagle Flight 5342, which tragically crashed into the Potomac River late Wednesday evening, moments before its scheduled landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The aircraft, an Embraer ERJ-145 regional jet, had departed from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Kansas (ICT) on a routine flight to Washington, D.C. (DCA), carrying 64 passengers and a four-member crew. This tragic incident has left the nation in shock and sorrow, especially as it was confirmed that several young skaters from the U.S. Figure Skating National Development Team were among those on board.

The Incident

The flight, operated by PSA Airlines on behalf of American Airlines, was nearing its approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when it collided midair with a Sikorsky H-60 military helicopter over the Potomac River. The cause of the midair collision remains under investigation, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) leading the inquiry.

At the time of the crash, the aircraft was carrying passengers from a variety of walks of life, including families, business travelers, and visitors to the nation’s capital. Among the passengers were several individuals from the U.S. Figure Skating National Development Team, who were returning from the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships held in Wichita, Kansas. Their participation in the event had been a key part of their development as young athletes in the sport. Tragically, they were returning from what was supposed to be an exciting chapter in their training journey.

American Airlines confirmed that 64 passengers were aboard the flight, alongside the four-member flight crew. Emergency response teams, including divers, paramedics, and rescue workers, were dispatched immediately to the scene, but by the time they arrived, the wreckage of the plane had sunk into the Potomac River, posing serious challenges for recovery operations.

The Devastation

As of now, at least 19 fatalities have been confirmed, with reports suggesting that several victims were still strapped in their seats underwater. Divers have bravely navigated through the wreckage to locate the deceased and any potential survivors. Several survivors have been pulled from the wreckage and transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention. While they are receiving care, many of the families of those onboard have been left in limbo, with conflicting reports making it difficult to determine who has survived and who has perished. The uncertainty surrounding the fate of loved ones has only deepened the heartbreak for families affected by the tragedy.

Among the confirmed victims are both skaters and coaches from the National Development Camp (NDC). A source close to the skating community has verified that multiple skaters, including some from top-tier U.S. Figure Skating teams, were aboard the plane. At this time, the identities of all the victims are being kept confidential by the authorities, but the skating world is in mourning.

The names of those confirmed to be onboard include:

• Spencer Lane
• Jinna Han
• Eddie Zhou
• Everly Livingston
• Lydia Livingston
• Franco Aparicio
• Sean Kay
• Angela Yang
• Vadim Naumov
• Genia Shishkova
• Inna Volyanskaya

These individuals, cherished members of the U.S. National Development Team, were young athletes with promising futures ahead of them. Their deaths have left a profound mark on the community, with tributes pouring in from across the country as friends, colleagues, and fans express their grief over the loss of these bright stars.

Response from Authorities

The search and rescue operation remains ongoing as emergency responders work tirelessly to recover the bodies of the victims and locate any survivors. The efforts have been complicated by the submergence of the wreckage in the river, but teams are continuing their operations despite the challenging conditions. A statement released by American Airlines has expressed their deepest condolences for the families of those involved.

“We are devastated by the news of this tragic accident,” said American Airlines CEO Robert Isom. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the families affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. We are doing everything we can to support the families of the victims and assist in the investigation that is ongoing.”

D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), along with the Metropolitan Police Department, have been actively involved in recovery and rescue efforts, along with other local, state, and federal agencies. The response has been quick, but the nature of the accident—combined with the challenges of working in the water—has complicated recovery operations.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has stated that they are currently working to piece together the events leading to the crash, and early reports suggest that a military helicopter and the regional jet collided midair. Investigators are examining whether any distress signals were sent prior to the crash, as the cockpit’s black box and the helicopter’s flight data will provide critical information.

Airport Closures and Impact

In the wake of the tragedy, airport operations at Reagan National Airport were immediately suspended, with a full ground stop in place. Flight operations were grounded as authorities focused on the recovery effort, and the airport remains closed for now. The closure has caused widespread disruption, with many travelers stranded in the airport. A full investigation into the incident and the cause of the crash is expected to take several days or even weeks. Authorities have asked for patience and urged the public to refrain from speculating about the cause of the crash before the investigation is complete.

As investigators work to determine what caused the collision, American Airlines, PSA Airlines, and the U.S. military have all pledged to fully cooperate with authorities in the investigation. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available, and the public is being urged to respect the privacy of the families affected by the tragedy.

The Aftermath: Grief and Tribute

The national figure skating community is reeling from the loss of these talented young athletes, many of whom had already shown great promise. As news of the crash spread, fans, coaches, and fellow skaters took to social media to express their grief and pay tribute to those who perished. “They were the future of U.S. Figure Skating,” said one grieving coach, “and now, they are gone too soon.”

Journalist Bill Melugin shared a poignant account of a close friend who lost his wife in the crash. “Our friend group is with him for support,” Melugin shared, his voice filled with sorrow. “She was a sweet girl. They have two small children, and the agony of not knowing if she made it is excruciating for him. Our hearts go out to them.”

The pain and confusion are compounded by conflicting reports, and families are left hoping for any glimmer of good news. Authorities have urged loved ones to remain patient as they work to positively identify the victims and confirm the status of survivors. It is an incredibly difficult time for all involved, with no words adequate to express the depth of the tragedy.

Investigation and Next Steps

The FAA and NTSB have launched a full investigation into the causes of the crash. Initial findings will focus on analyzing the wreckage, reviewing the flight data, and interviewing witnesses who may have seen the collision. Both agencies have committed to providing a thorough examination of the incident to prevent future tragedies. However, the investigation is expected to take several months, as experts work to piece together all of the facts surrounding this catastrophic event.

The families of the victims will be provided with all necessary support, including assistance from grief counselors, as they begin the painful journey of coping with the loss of their loved ones. American Airlines has pledged to continue assisting the families of the victims throughout the recovery process and beyond.

As the search continues, the community remains united in sorrow, and tributes continue to pour in for those lost. The memory of these young skaters and their coaches, beloved by so many, will live on in the hearts of all who knew them.

Final Thoughts

This tragic crash has shaken the nation to its core, and as recovery efforts continue, the focus remains on supporting the families of those lost, investigating the cause of the collision, and ensuring that such an event is never repeated. The dedication of emergency responders, investigators, and officials during this time of immense grief is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Our thoughts remain with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.