

PRINCE GEORGES POLICE, AVIATION, AND MARINE UNITS ASSIST IN THE RECOVERY OF BODIES
We are #PrinceGeorgesProud of our Aviation, Dive, and Marine Units of the PGPD Special Operations Division for assisting with recovery efforts on the Potomac. From @ChiefAzizPGPD and our PGPD family, our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.
All of the casualties of the crash of the Army Blackhawk helicopter into American Airlines Flight 5342 while it came into landing at Reagan National Airport on Jan. 29, 2025, have been recovered and identified.
TWO AIRPORT EMPLOYEES CHARGED WITH THEFT OF CRASH VIDEO THAT WERE PROVIDED TO CNN….Were they paid by CNN or did they purloin these videos for free?
Mohamed Lamine Mbengue, 21, of Rockville, Maryland, was charged by Officer P. Silsbee with Making an Authorized Copy of Computer Software – Computer Trespass (18.2-152.4 section 6) on January 31, 2025, according to Arlington County General District Court of Virginia. Court records reveal that Mbengue was arrested on January 31st and committed the offense on January 30th. A court date is scheduled for May 2, 2025 at 8:30 am.
He was booked into the Arlington County Adult Detention Center and released on his own recognizance.

Mohamed Lamine Mbengue, 21, of Rockville, Maryland. Photo via Arlington County Sheriff’s Office.
Maryland Court Records show that Mbengue has committed several traffic violations, including running red lights and operating a vehicle without registration. The citations list Mbengue’s addresses in North Bethesda and Baltimore.
Following a further police investigation, Jonathan Savoy, 45, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, was charged with Computer Trespass (18.2-152.4 section 6) on February 2, 2025. He was released on a summons by the magistrate.”
NAVAL ACADEMY GRADUATE AND HELICOPTER PILOT KILLED BY ARMY BLACKHAWK CRASH INTO AMERICAN AIRLINES PASSENGER JET ON WHICH HE WAS A PASSENGER
“Our hearts go out to all those who experienced loss through this devastating event. Among those on board was one of our own — Brian Ellis ’93, a former Navy football player and proud graduate of the United States Naval Academy. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and the entire Naval Academy community who mourn his passing.” U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation

The Baltimore Banner reported that Ellis spent 22 years in the Marine Corps, serving as a helicopter pilot and achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel. He flew the Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion, a heavy lift helicopter. He was the weapons and tactics officer for his squadron before transitioning into the training command.

Clayton County Public Schools Remembers Lt. Col. Brian Ellis
JONESBORO – Clayton County Public Schools (CCPS) sadly acknowledges that Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Brian Ellis, a 1989 alumnus of Morrow High School, was among those tragically killed in the recent mid-air collision over Washington, D. C. last week. It is important to note that he was also a leader and starter on the 1987 Morrow High School State Championship Football Team. He later advanced to be the starting quarterback his senior year – an early sign of his leadership and commitment to team values. He was a distinguished 1993 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and former quarterback for the Midshipmen’s football team. According to the enclosed article, Lt. Col. Brian Ellis had two sons. He is leaving a legacy of leadership, dedication, and selflessness. The school district – its leadership, employees, and students – extends its heartfelt condolences to Lt. Col. Ellis’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him during this difficult time. As a tribute to Lt. Col. (Ret) Brian Ellis, Morrow High School will fly flags at half-staff and will add his name to its Notable Alumni Wall of Fame. The district will reserve a moment of silence on his behalf at the February 3, 2025 Board meeting.
New! The evaluation of a female Blackhawk pilot reveals that her hours of experience did not qualify her to fly on such a critical flight path at night with so much at stake, and ATC should have moved the chopper out of the area. No wonder the Army held off on identifying her, scrubbed her social media sites, and held off on revealing that she was a social host at the Biden White House for parties and ceremonies – time that would been better spent building her experience as a pilot.
The combination of an inexperienced Blackhawk pilot and the lousy decision of ATC doomed the American Airlines flight
They didn't withhold Rebecca Lobach's name to "grieve", they kept it secret while they scrubbed her social media. pic.twitter.com/TcR2JdKn9t
— JereMemez (@Jere_Memez) February 2, 2025
JUST IN: The third soldier aboard the Black Hawk that crashed into the American Airlines plane has been identified as Capt. Rebecca Lobach, who previously worked as a White House aide in the Biden admin.
Lobach, 28, served as an aviation officer in the Army.
“We are devastated… pic.twitter.com/7IaS5Ln0ex
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 1, 2025
Army identifies Captain Rebecca Lobach as the Third Pilot involved in the Blackhawk Helicopter Crash into Passenger Jet
From THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY:
At the request of and in coordination with the family, the Army is releasing the name of the third Soldier who died while performing a training mission near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Jan. 29.
Capt. Rebecca M. Lobach, of Durham, North Carolina, served as an aviation officer (15A) in the regular Army from July 2019 to January 2025. She has no deployments. She was assigned to the 12th Aviation Battalion, Ft. Belvoir, Va. Her awards include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon.
Our deepest condolences go out to her family and all the families who are mourning the loss of their loved ones impacted by this devastating accident. We continue to work with the families of our fallen Soldiers and support the ongoing investigations.
The Army is also releasing the following statement on behalf of the family of Rebecca Lobach.
STATEMENT FROM THE LOBACH FAMILY:
We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Rebecca. She was a bright star in all our lives. She was kind, generous, brilliant, funny, ambitious and strong. No one dreamed bigger or worked harder to achieve her goals.
Rebecca began her career in the United States Army as a distinguished military graduate in ROTC at the University of North Carolina and was in the top 20% of cadets nationwide. She achieved the rank of Captain, having twice served as a Platoon Leader and as a Company Executive Officer in the 12th Aviation Battalion, Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. With more than 450 hours of flight time, she earned certification as a pilot-in-command after extensive testing by the most senior and experienced pilots in her battalion.
Rebecca was a warrior and would not hesitate to defend her country in battle. But she was as graceful as she was fierce: in addition to her duties as an Army aviator, Rebecca was honored to serve as a White House Military Social Aide, volunteering to support the President and First Lady in hosting countless White House events, including ceremonies awarding the Medal of Honor and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Rebecca cared about people, and she extended to individuals the same fearless defense she gave to this nation. She was proud of the difference she made as a certified Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Victim Advocate and hoped to continue her education so she could serve this country as a physician when her time with the Army ended. She once said, “My experiences with SHARP have reinforced my resolve to serve others with compassion, understanding, and the resources necessary for healing.”
Rebecca was many things. She was a daughter, sister, partner, and friend. She was a servant, a caregiver, an advocate. Most of all, she loved and was loved. Her life was short, but she made a difference in the lives of all who knew her. Our hearts break for the other families who have lost loved ones in this national tragedy and we mourn with them.
American Airlines pilot may have attempted last-minute move to avoid collision: NTSB
Disturbing new clips reveal clearest view yet of DC plane crash https://t.co/B13dioiPCv
— The Chesapeake Today (@ChesapeakeToday) February 2, 2025

FAA lawsuit claims agency discriminated against air traffic controller applicants on the basis of race
A U.S. Coast Guard Potomac River Aviation incident command response boat crew and the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Nathan Bruckenthal conducted operations in Washington on January 31, 2025. One of the Coast Guard’s primary missions was to ensure the public’s and first responders’ safety. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Taylor Bacon)
WASHINGTON — The Coast Guard continues to coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies Thursday in response to the aircraft collision that occurred Wednesday evening over the Potomac River in Washington.
Response boat crews from Coast Guard Stations Washington, Curtis Bay, Annapolis, Oxford, Crisfield, and Coast Guard Cutter Sailfish (WPB-87356) are on the scene working with local partners to ensure the safety of the maritime public and responders and enforcing a safety zone.
Additional Coast Guard crews have mobilized to pre-stage pollution response equipment to mitigate potential environmental impacts from the incident.
A safety zone has been established, restricting vessel traffic in all navigable waters north of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Mariners are urged to avoid the area.

On January 29, 2025, tragedy struck our community when American Airlines Flight 5342, which had taken off from Wichita, Kansas, and was approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) for landing, crashed over the Potomac River. The crash claimed the lives of several beloved local hunters from Southern Maryland.
These victims were more than just hunters; they were fathers, sons, husbands, friends, business owners and respected members of the community who shared a deep love for the outdoors. Their presence in the field and their contributions to the local hunting community have left lasting memories, and they will be deeply missed.
This GoFundMe campaign is supported by Ducks Unlimited Calvert County Chapter, Ducks Unlimited Charles County Chapter, Ducks Unlimited St. Mary’s County Chapter, National Wild Turkey Federation Patuxent Chapter, National Wild Turkey Federation Southern Maryland Chapter, National Wild Turkey Federation Chesapeake Longbeards Chapter, Calvert County Sportsman’s Club, Delta Waterfowl Chesapeake Bay Chapter, Southern Maryland Delta Waterfowl, Myers Auto Service, Curtis Auto Group, Fred’s Sports and Benelli USA. 100% of funds raised will go towards supporting the families of these victims during this incredibly difficult time. Your generosity will not only honor the lives of these local hunters but also remind the families that they are not alone in their grief.
Thank you for your kindness and compassion and for standing by the families of these incredible individuals during this tragic time.
Hunt Club GoFundMe for the 7 Southern Maryland Families
GoFundMe for the Stovall Family
Meal Train for the Prewitt Family
https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/yrmzkm
GoFundMe for the Prewitt Family
Meal Train for the Clagett Girls
Meal Train for the McDaniel Family
GoFundMe for Reed (Kristie Baxter)
GoFundMe for the Boyd Family
GoFundMe for the Huffman Family
Huntin’ with Jacob Gun Raffle to benefit the 7 Families
Logo Credit: Candy Meyers
Hello. My name is Katherine Darnell. I’ve created this GoFundMe on behalf of Kayla, Rowen, and Hadley Huffman after the tragic loss of Alex Huffman.
I’m sure many of you know that Alex was on board the American Airlines flight from Kansas to Washington, DC, after being away on a hunting trip.
Alex was the love of Kayla’s life, an amazing father to Rowen and Hadley, and a best friend to many. His laugh was contagious, and he was always there if you needed him. Alex and Kayla are family to us.
Our hearts are broken for Kayla and the kids, and we would like to take as much as we can off of Kayla’s shoulders. No amount is too small and all proceeds will be provided to Kayla. These funds will be used to assist with any financial needs.
We lost one of the best. It is with a heavy yet hopeful heart that we come together to honor the life and legacy of Jon Boyd, a family man with the biggest heart and one of the cherished passengers aboard flight #5342.
Jon dedicated his life to his Home Family, his Heffron Company Family, and uplifting everyone around him, no matter the situation. This Page is designed to support his family and celebrate his legacy. By doing so, the purpose of funds received (no matter the size) will immediately go to serve:
- The Boys- Reed (age 11) and Wyatt Boyd (age 1) pictured above. This support will go directly into setting up funds to use for education, childcare, and continuing the activities they so loved to do with their Dad – hunting, fishing, and ice hockey.
- His bride, Sarah Boyd, a fighter and brand new mother.
- Memorial and funeral services support along with adjusting to a new life and day to day expenses.
Jon was so much more than a colleague—he was a mentor, a devoted father, a loyal friend, and a beloved brother. In this incredibly challenging time, we extend our deepest sympathy to his wonderful wife, Sarah, and his two remarkable sons, Reed and Wyatt, along with his brother, Michael.
It has been extremely humbling to witness the outpouring of compassion from organizations, friends, and partners eager to assist Jon’s family during this difficult journey.
Thank you, Jon, for everything. We are committed to watching over your family just as you have always done for so many of ours.
We Love You!
Hello everyone, on behalf of Ashleigh and Jake Stovall I’ve created this GoFundMe to help assist with their immediate financial needs that may come up over the next one to two months. As you likely already know, their husband and father, and my best friend, Mikey Stovall, was onboard the American Airlines flight that didn’t land Wednesday evening. Our hearts break for this wonderful, caring, and loving family. A family that has always put others before themselves and a family more than deserving of our love and generosity during this extremely difficult time. No amount is too small and all proceeds will be provided to Ashleigh and Jake. These funds will be used to assist with any basic financial needs as we work towards the healing process.
Michael Stovall, 40, and Jesse Pitcher, 30 were on a hunting trip with their friends in Kansas, the New York Times reported. Stovall was a steamfitter and Pitcher owned a plumbing business.
“He said he’d see me when he got back,” Pitcher’s father, Jameson Pitcher, told the NYT.

Team fundraiser
Allyson Jankowski and three others are organizing this fundraiser for Belinda Presgraves.
Donation protected
Good afternoon, my name is Allyson, and I am the owner of Cheer Extreme Calvert. As most of you know, cheer teams become family, and one of our own needs us. Robert Prewitt was on his way home from a work trip to his lovely wife Belinda and two daughters, Daisie and Dalila. Belinda tucked the girls into bed last night. They all eagerly awaited his return home. The girls had been raving all week at the gym about ‘daddy coming home from work and would be there when they woke up.’ Sadly, we all know Robert didn’t make it home to Belinda and the girls.
We as a community are asking if you can help donate, pray, share this message so the Prewitts can grieve and not have the financial burden as well. Belinda homeschooled the girls and is very active with Cheer Extreme Boosters. The funds raised will help the family with memorial expenses and anything they may need in the days to come. Belinda has been an avid supporter of the gym and all youth sports. Let’s wrap our arms around this loving family and let them know we have their backs.Show your support for this GoFundMe
DonateShare
From Chris Yarbrough on Facebook:
Boss Man !!! Jonathan Boyd 😖 just too much this week. How do you say thank you to the best boss. The best of the best. I had the pleasure to know you, be your apprentice, call you a mentor and just an awesome friend to myself and my family. You taught me so much and also made me buy the most expensive things 😂. A great leader , don’t remember if you made me and Michael Hare jump off your boat or if we volunteered 😅. Gonna miss you everyday boss Man !!!
Prayers to the whole Boyd family 💔
And to Mikey Stovall and old family friend and one of Boss Man’s best friends. You will be missed. I enjoyed knowing you and partying with you brother 🙏🏻.
Rest easy my union brothers
SPALDING FARMS WILL CARE FOR PETS OF FAMILIES OF LOCAL HUNTERS KILLED IN CRASH
Spalding Farms ONLY PAWs is in St. Mary’s County, Maryland.
pndosStoeru91c50il7fci26uu1lm3148a1351cic5l53f4a60l7fua4480h ·
Our hearts are breaking for the SOMD community and all others affected by this tragedy!
We are opening our doors to offer FREE boarding for anyone that has family coming in town with dogs for the services or if you need your dog in daycare for the day of service please don’t hesitate to reach out !
The Spalding Farms Family is here to help!
Please share with your friends and families!
We require bordetella, distemper , and rabies !
** Reminder** Early reservations prevent future complications!
Boarding
Grooming
Daystays
Receive $10 off for first-time grooming clients!
TWO KILLED IN CRASH WERE GRADUATES OF RYKEN
FROM RICK WOOD AT RYKEN HIGH SCHOOL It is with profound sorrow that I share the passing of James “Tommy” Clagett ’00 and Michael “Mikey” Stovall ’02, two beloved members of our alumni community and Charlie Daniels, uncle of a current SMR student, who were called home to the Lord in the heartbreaking plane crash that occurred on Wednesday evening in Washington D.C. Please keep in your prayers their families, friends, and all who were blessed to know them. I personally remember Tommy and Mikey and their love for life, people and southern Maryland. They both helped me ‘cut my teeth’ when I was Dean of Students, which made me love them like sons. Both had grown up to be strong family men, Tommy with two young daughters and Mikey with a young son. They excelled in their careers, Tommy serving as Vice President and Mikey serving as Superintendent for Gaghan Mechanical. |

The seven hunters who died in the plane crash are Jesse Pitcher, 30; Michael Stovall, 40; Steve Johnson, 45; Alexander Huffman, 34; Charles McDaniel, 44; Jonathan Boyd, 40; and Tommy Clagett, 38.
Read more at: https://www.kansas.com/news/state/article299478039.html#storylink=cpy

FROM THE MACON BEACON: Noxubee County is mourning the death of native son Andrew Eaves. His wife has confirmed reports that he was among the military Blackhawk pilots who died in last night’s crash with airliner in Washington, D.C. Andrew was a Central Academy graduate who grew up in the Brooksville area. Eaves is remembered as “one of the finest, most disciplined, committed trainers,” Josh Muehlendorf, Chief Warrant Officer 5 with the US Army, told CNN in an interview.

Andrew Eaves had spent ten years in the Navy before transitioning to the Army and had lived in Great Mills, Maryland, near the Patuxent River Naval Air Station.
From the Department of the Army
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Eaves served in the U.S. Navy from August 2007 to September 2017, then transitioned to a UH-60 pilot for the regular Army from September 2017 to the present day. His awards include Army Commendation Medal x3, Navy Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal x3, Navy “E” Ribbon x2, Navy Good Conduct Medal x3, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Navy & Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon and Army Aviator Badge.

Author: First Coast News (On Your Side), Tobie Nell Perkins
Published: 3:48 PM EST January 31, 2025
Updated: 5:18 PM EST January 31, 2025
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Melissa Nicandri, 28, has been identified as one of the victims killed when an American Airlines plane collided with a military helicopter over the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C. Wednesday.
Melissa Nicandri’s father is Jacksonville attorney, Peter Nicandri.
She graduated from Ponte Vedra High School in 2014.
He confirmed that she is one of the passengers on American Airlines Flight 5342, which was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members.
Peter Nicandri, along with Melissa’s mother, provided this statement:
“We are devastated by the sudden loss of Melissa. She was everything that anyone could hope for with a daughter – beautiful, smart, funny, kind, and generous. Her future was so bright. Melissa had an adventurous spirit and will be missed forever.
Everyone’s thoughts are greatly appreciated. At this time, we ask that we have some time and space. We will hopefully be able to celebrate her soon.”
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