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
Indiana Police Officer Ronnell Johnson Fatally Shot While Handling Personal Firearm at Marion Health Hospital
Authorities in Indiana are investigating the fatal shooting of a Marion Health Police Officer who died early Sunday morning after an accidental firearm discharge inside Marion Health Hospital in Grant County.
According to the Indiana State Police, the incident occurred at approximately 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 30, 2025, when 25-year-old Officer Ronnell J. Johnson, of Marion, Indiana, was discovered with an apparent gunshot wound. Officer Johnson was on duty at the time of the incident.
Initial findings from the ongoing investigation indicate that Officer Johnson was handling a personally-owned, non-department-issued handgun when the firearm discharged, striking him.
Details surrounding how the weapon was being handled and the moments leading up to the injury have not yet been fully clarified.
Emergency personnel from multiple agencies—including the Indiana State Police, Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Marion City Police Department, and Marion Health Police Department—responded immediately.
Hospital medical staff initiated life-saving measures; however, despite their efforts, Officer Johnson succumbed to his injuries.
He was later pronounced deceased by the Grant County Coroner’s Office.
Family notification has been completed, and an autopsy is scheduled as part of the ongoing investigation.
Officials emphasize that no additional details will be released until further evidence is reviewed.
Indiana State Police Detectives are leading the investigation at the request of the Marion City Police Department.
Multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including the Indiana State Police Peru Post and medical personnel from Marion Health Hospital.
The circumstances remain under active review.
