Quotes
The military is withholding the name of the female helicopter pilot. This is totally unacceptable. The helicopter was involved in, and may have actually caused, one of the worst airline disasters in American history. We have a right to know the names."
Conservative commentator Matt Walsh on X on Friday 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,
Each of our fallen Soldiers were exceptional leaders and teammates. Their legacy and honorable service to our Nation will forever remain."
Erika A. Holownia, commander of the 12th Aviation Battalion, said in the release on Friday Why do you think the White House is withholding the name of the Blackhawk pilot?"
Conservative country singer John Rich said on X At the request of the family, the name of the third Soldier will not be released at this time."
I am sure by now all of you have heard the news of the tragedy that has occurred in DC. My husband was one of the pilots in the Blackhawk. We ask that you pray for our family and friends and for all the other families that are suffering today. We ask for peace while we grieve. Please refrain for negative comments on social media as these families children do not need to suffer more pain."
Carrie Eaves, the deceased's wife, said in a Thursday Facebook post My heart is heavy as I watch the 1st responders working on the Potomac while waiting for my flight back home. Please continue praying for the family of MS native, Officer Andrew Eaves, and the rest of the grieving families who lost loved ones in the accident at Reagan National."
Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson wrote in an X post Friday Once that is completed, then recovering the two aircraft and then also finding as much of the debris from the collision that they can in the river,
The Potomac is, is massive, you know, from where they are, it goes hundreds of miles all the way out to the Chesapeake Bay,
It's going to be zero visibility or close to zero is that they'll be diving in, and so looking for small parts of an aircraft in that kind of visibility is going to be extremely challenging…the waters here and the lakes and ponds and rivers…when you go in, it's just dark,
Obviously, they're making really good progress in a short amount of time. But I'm sure that recovery of the victims should be the number one priority… providing closure to these families that have lost their loved ones should be the most important thing,
This is incredibly unusual. You know, we're trained and always ready to answer the call…when the dive call comes in. But that's typically involving one victim. And in rare occasions, a couple of victims,
Jake Crockett, a firefighter and diver with the Scuba Rescue Team of Chesterfield Fire & EMS, told Fox News Digital Once it's turned over to a recovery mission…our goal is to provide that closure,
They've got a really big job ahead of them, which is why I think this is going to be weeks-long, because in order to be thorough, they're going to be up and down that river for miles looking,
The first responder family is massive and everyone's always willing,
The water temperature especially is just above freezing, which is, you know, it would be absolutely unbearable to jump in without, you know, without the appropriate diving suits,
This is our rink. I’ve been skating here since I was 3. I’m just trying not to cry.”
The emotional teen, who fought back tears, told The U.S. Sun She's very concerned. She's been texting me the whole time,
I'm flying out, it's pretty tragic,
Abhi, a 25-year-old flier, told The U.S. Sun We will probably have more than one black box, so to speak. It's our understanding that the Sikorsky helicopter is equipped with some form of recording device, and those will be read either by the DOD or by us. We have a good starting relationship with them, and we've already made agreements in order to be able to do that. So I feel comfortable in what we're going to be doing,
said NTSB board member J. Todd Inman
