The third crew member involved in the tragic Black Hawk helicopter crash near a Washington, D.C.-area airport has been identified.
The third crew member involved in the tragic Black Hawk helicopter crash near a Washington, D.C.-area airport has been identified. The fatal accident, which claimed the lives of three service members, sent shockwaves through the military community.
Authorities confirmed the identity of the third victim as investigations into the crash continue. The Black Hawk went down during a routine training exercise, with emergency responders rushing to the scene. While the exact cause of the crash remains under review, officials are working to determine what led to the deadly incident.
The loss has deeply affected both fellow service members and the broader community, with tributes pouring in for the brave individuals who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The U.S. Army has identified Captain Rebecca M. Lobach, 28, from Durham, North Carolina, as the third crew member who tragically lost her life in the recent Black Hawk helicopter crash near Washington, D.C. The crash occurred on January 29, 2025, when the helicopter collided midair with an American Airlines passenger plane over the Potomac River, claiming the lives of all 67 people aboard both aircraft.
About Captain Rebecca M. Lobach:
- Military Service: Captain Lobach had been serving as an aviation officer in the U.S. Army since July 2019. In that time, she accumulated around 500 flight hours piloting the Black Hawk helicopter.
- Education and Background: A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in biology, Captain Lobach also served with the North Carolina Army National Guard since 2018.
- White House Role: In addition to her military duties, she served as a social aide during President Joe Biden’s administration, assisting with organizing events and ceremonies at the White House.
Other Crew Members:
The Army has also identified the other two soldiers who perished in the crash:
- Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Lloyd Eaves
- Staff Sergeant Ryan Austin O’Hara
Investigation Status:
The cause of the midair collision is still under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest that the Black Hawk may have been flying at an altitude higher than authorized during its training mission, which could have played a role in the tragic accident.
This devastating crash ranks as one of the deadliest U.S. air accidents since 2001. The community continues to mourn the loss of these brave service members. Captain Lobach is being remembered by friends and colleagues as a dedicated and accomplished individual, both in her military career and her contributions to the White House.
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