WASHINGTON, USA — The U.S. Army has identified two of the three soldiers killed when a Black Hawk helicopter collided with a commercial jet over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.
The crash, which also claimed the lives of 67 people on board the American Airlines flight, left no survivors, authorities said.
Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara, 28, of Lilburn, Georgia, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves, 39, of Great Mills, Maryland, were confirmed dead, while the identity of the third soldier was initially withheld at the request of the family.
On Saturday, February 1, 2025, officials identified the third victim as Capt. Rebecca Lobach, 28, of Durham, North Carolina, a former White House Military Social Aide.
The soldiers were aboard a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from the 12th Aviation Battalion, Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, conducting a training exercise when the collision occurred.
The Department of Defense stated that the crew was experienced and using night-vision goggles at the time.
“Our deepest condolences go out to all the families and friends impacted during this tragedy, and we will support them through this difficult time,” Maj. Gen. Trevor J. Bredenkamp, commanding general of the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, said in a statement Friday.
“Our top priority is to assist in the recovery efforts, while fully cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and other investigative agencies to determine the cause of this tragic incident.”
Recovery Efforts Underway
Authorities have recovered 41 bodies from the river, including two of the soldiers, while efforts continue to locate additional remains.
Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly confirmed that 28 victims have been positively identified, with 18 families notified.
Investigators have recovered the cockpit voice and flight data recorders from the commercial airliner, but the helicopter’s black box remains missing.
Remembering the Fallen
Ryan O’Hara: ‘Dedicated, Disciplined’
O’Hara, the crew chief on board, enlisted in the Army in 2014 and deployed to Afghanistan in 2017. A specialist in UH-60 helicopter maintenance, he was described by fellow soldiers as a highly respected leader.
“Ryan was one of the most dedicated, disciplined, and committed soldiers I’ve ever worked with,” Chief Warrant Officer 5 Josh Muehlendorf told WAGA-TV in Atlanta.
“He was chiefly concerned with the safety of his crews; the people he was training. He wanted everybody to execute their job with perfection and to come home safely.”
Muehlendorf added that O’Hara’s dedication extended beyond the Army.
“As dedicated as he was to the Army and to the mission, he was really committed to his family.”
Andrew Eaves: ‘Loving, Caring’
Eaves, originally from Brooksville, Mississippi, served in the Navy for a decade before transitioning to the Army in 2017 as a UH-60 pilot.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves acknowledged his passing in a statement on Thursday.
“Mississippi is mourning the loss of Brooksville native Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves, who was killed in last night’s accident at Reagan National Airport,” Reeves posted on X.
“Elee and I are praying for the victims’ families and first responders who are assisting.”
Eaves’ wife, Carrie Eaves, shared a statement on Facebook, requesting privacy while they grieve.
“We ask that you pray for our family and friends and for all the other families that are suffering today.”
His mother, Betty Eaves, wrote in a now-private Facebook post about her son’s loving nature.
“If you knew Andrew Eaves, animals or people, you never run out of love. The more he gave, the more room he had for more loving.”
Rebecca Lobach: ‘A Bright Star’
Lobach, the co-pilot of the Black Hawk, served as an aviation officer in the Army from 2019 until her death.
She was also a White House Military Social Aide, participating in events such as the Medal of Honor and Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremonies.
Her family released a statement mourning her loss.
“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Rebecca. She was a bright star in all our lives,” the family wrote.
“She was kind, generous, brilliant, funny, ambitious, and strong. No one dreamed bigger or worked harder to achieve her goals. Rebecca was a warrior and would not hesitate to defend her country in battle. But she was as graceful as she was fierce.”
Lobach was assigned to the 12th Aviation Battalion and earned several military commendations, including the Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal.
Ongoing Investigation
Lt. Col. Erika A. Holownia, commander of the 12th Aviation Battalion, emphasized the impact of the loss on the unit.
“Each of our fallen soldiers were exceptional leaders and teammates. Their legacy and honourable service to our nation will forever remain,” she said.
“Their experience and dedication made our unit better every day. As we mourn this tragic loss, our top priority is supporting their families, friends, and fellow soldiers. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the families and friends of American Eagle Flight 5342.”
Investigators continue working to determine the cause of the collision.
The FAA and NTSB are leading the probe, with assistance from military officials.
National Mourning
The tragic incident has drawn national attention, with condolences pouring in from military officials, politicians, and community members.
The Army has pledged full support to the families of the fallen soldiers as they navigate this difficult time.
As the investigation unfolds, the nation remembers the lives lost—servicemembers who dedicated their careers to duty, honour, and the safety of those around them.
