Young skates visit a memorial along the boards at MedStar Capitals Iceplex Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, in Arlington, Va., for the figure skaters who were among the 67 victims of a mid-air collision between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines flight from Kansas. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
After the tragic events that occurred on Jan. 29 near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Virginians mourned together.
Sentiments poured out across social media accounts, from Virginia school divisions who experienced tragic losses to condolences from state and federal officials, after word came of a midair collision near DCA.
As we all continue to grapple with the tragedy, we’re sharing a handful of the many heartfelt reactions from leaders in our commonwealth.
US Sen. Tim Kaine
- US Sen. Tim Kaine shared on X the morning after the collision: “Heartbroken about the aviation disaster near DCA, and continuing to pray for those impacted and for the first responders. I’m gathering more information from local officials, the FAA, and the Army and will be pushing for a thorough investigation into what happened.”
US Rep. Abigail Spanberger
- US Rep. Abigail Spanberger shared to her X account Thursday: “Heartbroken to learn that multiple Virginians were on American Airlines Flight 5342. Virginia stands united with their families, as well as families across the country, who are experiencing unimaginable loss today.”
US Rep. Suhas Subramanyam
- US Rep. Suhas Subramanyam shared this to his X account Thursday morning: “It’s confirmed that none of the 67 people in last night’s crash survived, including members of our community like Inna Volanskaya, an ice skating coach in Ashburn. I’m working with federal, state, and local authorities. Keeping the victims and their loved ones in our prayers.”
Gov. Glenn Youngkin
- Virginia’s Gov. Glenn Youngkin shared to his X account on Jan. 30: “Emergency personnel from across the region continue their recovery efforts this morning. We are lifting-up in prayer the families of the passengers and crews. The NTSB is leading the investigation with our full cooperation and support.”
At Dogwood, our hearts are with the friends and families of the DCA crash victims.
If you believe loved ones may have been on board the American Airlines Flight 5342, call 800-679-8215 (US, Canada, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands). Call-in information for additional countries is listed here.
Free mental health support is available nationwide. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 to connect with a trained specialist.
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