Local News
Crew Chief on Black Hawk helicopter killed in mid-air collision identified as Ryan O’Hara
Ryan O’Hara, a crew chief aboard the U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter involved in the tragic midair collision over Washington, D.C., has been identified as one of the soldiers killed in the crash.
O’Hara, a Parkview High School alum from Gwinnett County, Georgia, leaves behind a wife and a 1-year-old son.
The accident, which occurred Wednesday night, involved an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and American Eagle Flight 5342, a regional jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members.
The two aircraft collided at approximately 400 feet above the Potomac River as the passenger jet was making its approach to Reagan National Airport.
O’Hara’s alma mater, Parkview High School’s MCJROTC program, paid tribute to him in an emotional statement, describing him as a dedicated cadet and rifle team member who was always willing to help others.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of one of our own. Class of 2014, former cadet Ryan O’Hara was the Crew Chief on the Black Hawk involved in last night’s crash in D.C.,” the organization wrote in a social media post.
They extended condolences to O’Hara’s family, specifically mentioning his father, Gary O’Hara, and reflecting on his contributions to the program: “Ryan was fondly remembered as a guy who would fix things around the ROTC gym, as well as a vital member of the rifle team.”
O’Hara was among the three soldiers aboard the Black Hawk when it collided with the PSA Airlines-operated regional jet, which was arriving from Wichita, Kansas.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash, though they confirmed that weather conditions were clear at the time of the collision.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators are reviewing air traffic control communications and flight data to understand the sequence of events leading up to the accident.
During remarks on Thursday afternoon, former President Donald Trump called the crash “preventable”, suggesting that air traffic controllers may have been responsible.
Meanwhile, recovery efforts continue in the Potomac River, where at least 28 bodies have been recovered as of Thursday morning.
Officials have transitioned from a search-and-rescue mission to a recovery operation, stating they do not expect to find any additional survivors.
With a confirmed death toll of 67, this incident marks the deadliest aviation disaster on U.S. soil since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Further updates are expected as investigations proceed.
Local News
Leah Levy Among Two Skydivers Killed in Midair Collision During Landing Near Lake Elsinore, California
LAKE ELSINORE, California — Two experienced skydivers, including Leah Levy, died after their parachutes became entangled during a midair collision while they were preparing to land at a skydiving event in Southern California on Friday.
The fatal accident occurred at Skydive Elsinore in Lake Elsinore, where two licensed and experienced skydivers were participating in an organized skydiving event.
According to a statement from Skydive Elsinore, the collision happened at approximately 150 feet above the ground as the two participants were approaching the landing area.
Both skydivers suffered critical injuries and were transported to a local hospital. They were later pronounced dead.
Skydive Elsinore said the initial stages of the jump, including the free-fall portion and parachute deployment, proceeded normally.
However, as the two skydivers prepared to land, they collided in midair at an altitude of approximately 150 feet, or about 46 meters, above the ground.
The impact caused their parachutes to become entangled, leaving both participants unable to complete their landings safely.
“The collision caused their parachutes to become entangled, and both sustained critical injuries when they reached the ground,” the company said in a statement.
The Riverside County Fire Department reported that both skydivers suffered traumatic injuries in the incident.
Emergency responders transported them to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite receiving medical attention, both later died from their injuries.
One of the victims was identified in the supplied information as Leah Levy. The second skydiver’s identity has not been provided.
Skydive Elsinore confirmed that both individuals were licensed and experienced skydivers participating in the organized event.
The company said the collision occurred during the final approach to landing, after the free fall and parachute-opening stages had reportedly gone normally.
The incident resulted in the deaths of both participants.
Further details about the circumstances surrounding the collision and any subsequent investigation have not been provided in the available information.