Local News
Jessica Sellers and her three children killed in Carrollton house fire
First responders were able to rescue a young girl, believed to be around 3 years old, from the back of the burning home.
Carrollton, KY – The Carroll County Coroner’s Office has identified the victims of a devastating house fire that occurred on October 17th in Carrollton, Kentucky.
Jessica Sellers, 42, her daughter Emilee Boswell, 25, her son Coleton Sellers, 18, and her 10-year-old son Deacon Sellers perished in the fire.
Carrollton Police Department responded to a report of a house fire at a residence on 5th Street around 6:00 AM. Officers arrived within minutes but were unable to enter the fully engulfed house due to the intense heat.
A 3-year-old child was rescued from the scene and transported to a local hospital, where she later received further medical attention in Louisville. Her condition is reported to be improving.
After multiple days of efforts, authorities were able to recover the bodies of the four family members who lost their lives in the fire. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support the surviving family members.
The tragedy has deeply impacted the small community of Carrollton, with a population of less than 4,000. Dave Roberts, a Carrollton Police Department officer, described the incident as a “terrible tragedy” that will take a long time for the community to heal from.
Carroll County Community Hospital hosted a vigil for two of the victims, expressing their sorrow and acknowledging the positive impact the individuals had on their organization and the community.
Donations were collected during the vigil to support the affected family. The City of Carrollton has also provided counseling assistance to first responders who may need support in coping with the tragic event.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
Local News
U.S. Figure Skaters and Coaches Among Passengers on Tragic Flight 5342 crashes into Potomac River
At least 11 young skaters from the National Development Camp (NDC), along with their coaches and officials, were aboard the ill-fated flight from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington, D.C. (DCA).
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Multiple sources close to the situation have confirmed that members of the U.S. Figure Skating National Development Team were among the passengers on PSA Airlines-operated American Eagle Flight 5342, which crashed into the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night.
They were returning from the National Development Camp following the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.
While American Airlines has yet to release an official passenger manifest, reports indicate that at least 11 young skaters from the National Development Camp (NDC), along with their coaches and officials, were aboard the ill-fated flight from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington, D.C. (DCA).
The team had been traveling for a scheduled training session and competition.
The flight, operated by PSA Airlines, was an Embraer ERJ-145 regional jet, identifiable by its registration number CRJ-700.
It was carrying 64 passengers, including families, business travelers, and individuals visiting the nation’s capital, along with a dedicated crew of four members.
According to FAA officials, the aircraft collided midair with a military helicopter before crashing into the Potomac River around 8:48 p.m. ET.
First responders arrived at the scene within 10 minutes, launching a massive search and rescue operation that involved over 300 emergency personnel.
Newly surfaced photos show the wreckage submerged in the river, as divers and rescue teams continue efforts to locate survivors.
Authorities have now confirmed 19 fatalities, though the number may rise as recovery efforts continue.
Loved ones of those on board remain in agonizing uncertainty, as conflicting reports of survivors have made official confirmation difficult.
Journalist Bill Melugin shared that a close friend’s wife was aboard the flight:
“She was a sweet girl whom I knew from my time working in North Carolina. They have two children, ages 3 and 1. Our friend group is with him for support, but the lack of information on survivors is excruciating.”
As authorities work to positively identify passengers and notify next of kin, families and friends continue to hold out hope while awaiting official updates.
The FAA and NTSB are leading the federal investigation, with assistance from D.C. Fire and EMS, the Metropolitan Police Department, and multiple emergency response agencies.
In a statement, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed the company’s grief and commitment to transparency:
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. We are actively cooperating with authorities to determine the cause of the accident and will continue to support the victims’ families during this difficult time.”
At this time, Reagan National Airport remains closed, with a full ground stop in effect until at least 5 a.m.
A press conference held late Wednesday night provided few new details, as officials emphasized that rescue operations remain the top priority.
Further updates will be provided as investigators continue to assess the crash site and determine the full scope of this devastating tragedy.