Local News
U.S. Figure Skaters and Coaches killed in American Eagle Flight 5342 crash identified
At least 11 young skaters and their coaches were reportedly among the passengers.
A devastating midair collision occurred Wednesday night near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, involving American Eagle Flight 5342 and a military helicopter over the Potomac River.
Among those onboard the flight were numerous skaters, coaches, and their families, many of whom were returning from the National Development Camp following the 2025 U.S.
Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.
Skaters Confirmed to Be on Board:
- Spencer Lane
- Jinna Han
- Eddie Zhou
- Everly Livingston
- Lydia Livingston
- Franco Aparicio
- Sean Kay
- Angela Yang
- Vadim Naumov
- Evgenia Shishkova
- Inna Volyanskaya
The full passenger list has yet to be confirmed by the airline, but sources close to the figure skating community have verified that several U.S. National Development Team skaters were on the flight.
At least 11 young skaters and their coaches were reportedly among the passengers.
Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines on behalf of American Airlines, was an Embraer ERJ-145 regional jet, carrying 64 passengers and four crew members.
The aircraft was en route from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) to Washington, D.C. (DCA) when it collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 military helicopter during its approach to Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport.
The crash led to an immediate suspension of all air traffic at the airport.
Emergency responders received the first report of the crash at 8:48 p.m. ET, with the first rescue teams arriving at 8:58 p.m. ET.
Over 300 first responders were deployed to the scene, working to recover victims from the wreckage.
Rescue divers discovered multiple passengers still strapped into their seats underwater.
At least 19 fatalities have been confirmed so far, with ongoing search and rescue efforts continuing through the night.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, confirming the airline is working closely with investigators.
The FBIโs Washington Field Office is assisting in the response but has stated that no indications of criminal or terrorist involvement have been found.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser released a statement offering condolences and urging the public to respect the privacy of affected families.
The skating community is in mourning as the tragedy unfolds. Friends, family members, and colleagues of the skaters and coaches onboard have taken to social media, expressing their heartbreak and praying for survivors.
Journalist Bill Melugin shared that a close friend of his lost his wife in the crash, leaving behind two young children, ages 3 and 1. โOur friend group is with him for support,โ he said, noting the agonizing uncertainty due to conflicting survivor reports.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, with support from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the collision or whether any distress signals were sent prior to impact.
Officials urge the public to refrain from speculation and await confirmed updates as rescue and recovery operations continue.
Local News
Steven Reynolds and Cassidi Porter Killed, Two Young Children Injured in Head-On Crash at Putnam County Intersection
PUTNAM COUNTY, Ga. โ Two people were killed and several others, including two young children, were injured in a head-on collision Tuesday morning at the intersection of Highway 212 and Twin Bridges Road in Putnam County, Georgia, authorities said.
The crash was reported at approximately 7:20 a.m. on October 27, 2026, according to information provided by Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills. The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation, and charges are pending.
According to Sheriff Sills, the crash began when a southbound vehicle towing a boat stopped on Highway 212 while waiting to turn onto Twin Bridges Road.
A Chevrolet Silverado traveling behind the stopped vehicle reportedly maneuvered around it and entered the path of a northbound Hyundai Palisade. The Silverado then collided head-on with the Hyundai.
The impact resulted in two fatalities and left multiple other occupants injured.
Authorities identified the two passengers killed in the Hyundai Palisade as Steven Ray Reynolds, 51, and Cassidi Autumn Porter, 28.
Both died as a result of the collision, according to the information released by the sheriff.
The Hyundai’s driver, Alisha Kaye Porter, 51, suffered critical injuries and was transported to a hospital in Macon, where she remained hospitalized.
Porter’s two young sons, who were also inside the Hyundai, were injured in the crash and taken to a hospital in Macon for treatment. Their conditions have not been provided in the information available.
The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado was identified as Elijah Brooks Malcolm, 19, of Good Hope, Georgia.
According to Sheriff Sills, Malcolm complained of injuries following the collision and was taken to a hospital in a private vehicle. Further details about the extent of his injuries were not immediately available.
The vehicle towing the boat had been stopped while waiting to make a turn when the collision occurred. No additional information was provided about the occupants of that vehicle.
Authorities continue investigating the fatal crash to determine the circumstances that led to the head-on collision.
Charges are pending, and officials have not announced any formal charges in the information provided.
The crash has left two families grieving while the injured occupants, including two young children, receive medical care.
Our thoughts are with the families of Steven Ray Reynolds and Cassidi Autumn Porter, as well as everyone injured in this devastating collision. We wish the injured a full recovery and extend our sincere condolences to the loved ones of those who lost their lives.