What We Know About the 3 Soldiers Lost in the Black Hawk Helicopter Crash

A routine night training flight ended in tragedy on Jan. 29, 2025, when a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided with an American Airlines^® jetliner over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. There were no survivors. In addition to the passengers and crew lost on the American Airlines flight, the accident claimed the lives of three highly skilled soldiers, leaving behind grieving families, devastated colleagues, and a nation mourning their sacrifice.

A Routine Flight Turns to Disaster

The UH-60 Black Hawk was conducting a nighttime qualification flight — an exercise designed to keep pilots sharp and prepared for high-stakes missions. This was nothing new for the crew. The pilots were seasoned professionals, well-versed in navigating the busy air corridors of the Washington, D.C., region.

On that fateful night, the Black Hawk, with three service members aboard, departed from Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Just minutes later, tragedy struck. The aircraft collided with an American Airlines flight carrying 64 people.

While investigators work to uncover the details, what remains clear is the devastating loss of three dedicated soldiers who had devoted their lives to service.

Capt. Rebecca Lobach: A Bright Star Gone Too Soon

At just 28 years old, Capt. Rebecca Lobach had already built an impressive career in the Army. A native of Durham, North Carolina, Lobach was known for her intelligence, warmth, and unwavering ambition. Her path to military service began in college, where she joined the North Carolina Army National Guard through the Simultaneous Membership Program, allowing her to train both as a cadet and a National Guard member.

A standout student and athlete, Lobach played basketball at Sewanee: The University of the South before transferring to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a biology degree in 2019. Her military career flourished, and she quickly became a decorated officer, earning the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, and several other distinctions.

Beyond her aviation skills, Lobach had an extraordinary presence in Washington. She served as a White House social aide during the Biden administration, even escorting fashion icon Ralph Lauren through the White House during the 2024 Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony. Her family described her as "kind, generous, brilliant, funny, ambitious and strong" — a sentiment echoed by friends and fellow soldiers who saw her as an inspiration, as reported by CBS News.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves: A Leader in the Skies

At 39, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves was the most experienced pilot on board. A Maryland native, Eaves had dedicated his life to military aviation, accumulating thousands of flight hours and mentoring younger pilots.

Eaves was a key member of the Bravo Company, 12th Combat Aviation Battalion, a unit responsible for transporting senior U.S. military officials. His work required precision, discretion, and an unwavering dedication to duty.

In a statement, Eaves' family said, "From the start of his career, Andrew pursued excellence with his whole heart, achieving his dream of becoming a Black Hawk helicopter pilot. Though his passing leaves an immeasurable void, we find comfort in knowing he gave his life in service to what he loved most — his country, his calling and his fellow soldiers," as reported by the Mississippi Clarion-Ledger.

Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O'Hara: A Dedicated Crew Chief and Devoted Friend

Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O'Hara, 28, of Lilburn, Georgia, served as the Black Hawk's crew chief. His role was critical, ensuring that every detail of the helicopter's operations ran smoothly. A meticulous professional, O'Hara took immense pride in his work, knowing that lives depended on his expertise.

Beyond his technical skills, O'Hara was known for his infectious enthusiasm and unwavering support for his fellow soldiers.

His father, Gary O'Hara, described his son's deep love for flying over Washington, D.C., and his unwavering trust in the pilots he served alongside. "He trusted them with his life," he told CBS News. Ryan O'Hara never voiced concerns about the congested airspace, and his father noted that the crew was "probably the most respected pilots that Ryan had ever flown with," according to CBS News. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Gary O'Hara reflected on the heartbreaking moment of seeing his son honored with a military salute. "It's very touching to see the other soldiers saluting as they take him out with a draped flag over it," he said. "But to sit there and think that that's my little boy — it's crushing."

A Nation Mourns Its Heroes

The deaths of these three soldiers are a sobering reminder of the dangers that come with military service, even in peacetime. These were not just names on a roster — they were leaders, mentors, and loved ones, each leaving behind a legacy of service and sacrifice.

As investigations into the cause of the crash continue, their families, friends, and fellow soldiers are left grappling with an unimaginable loss. In times like these, words often fall short. But what remains undeniable is the impact these three soldiers had on those around them.

Their commitment to duty, their love for flying, and their unwavering dedication to their country will never be forgotten. May they rest in peace, and may their families find comfort in the gratitude of a nation that will always honor their service.

References: Army Black Hawk crew involved in DC crash made up of 'top pilots' with thousands of hours of experience | One of 3 soldiers aboard Black Hawk chopper involved in midair collision identified as longtime aviation officer | The Army has identified two of the three helicopter crew members who died in the crash. | Father of D.C. crash victim says Black Hawk crew chief "trusted pilots with his life" | Family of Mississippi helicopter pilot Eaves, killed in DC air collision, issues statement