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).
U.S. Figure Skaters and Coaches killed in American Eagle Flight 5342 crash identified
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.
Local News
Authorities Identify Three Missing Girls in Missouri River Near Dodge Park
A 13-year-old girl was the only one who managed to get out of the water.
Authorities in Omaha have confirmed that search and recovery efforts are ongoing for three girls who went missing in the Missouri River near NP Dodge Park on Tuesday evening, April 15, 2025.
According to officials, four girls had gone fishing and entered the water near a boat dock in the area around 6:00 p.m. Witnesses reported that the girls began to struggle as they floated down the river.
A 13-year-old girl was the only one who managed to get out of the water.
She was later found on the riverbank, visibly distressed and crying.
Omaha Fire Battalion Chief Coby Werner stated that the girl, who was transported to a local hospital for evaluation, informed emergency responders that she was related to the three others who were still missing.
The missing individuals have been identified as 18-year-old Laiana Green, 18-year-old Lah K. Tray Moo, and 11-year-old Eh Cress Moo.
Authorities have not released information suggesting that any of the girls were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.
What began as a rescue operation on Tuesday evening has now transitioned into a recovery mission, as confirmed by Omaha Fire and Rescue on Wednesday morning.
The water temperature in the Missouri River, currently around 45 degrees Fahrenheit, poses a serious risk by potentially delaying the resurfacing of individuals, officials noted.
Search crews were forced to suspend operations around sunset on Tuesday due to low visibility and safety concerns.
The recovery effort resumed early Wednesday morning with a more coordinated strategy—agencies were assigned designated areas along the river to search individually to maximize coverage.
Despite some promising signals throughout the day, those sightings were ultimately determined to be debris.
Emergency services have expanded their search zone and plan to continue efforts into the weekend, moving further downstream. Specialized equipment, including sonar technology, drones, and aerial surveillance from a police helicopter, is being utilized to aid in locating the missing girls.
As of Wednesday evening, eight boats and four responding agencies were actively involved in the search, including Omaha Fire Department, Bennington Fire Department, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“The Missouri River is extremely hazardous, especially at night,” said Battalion Chief Werner. “There’s a strong current, submerged debris, and poor visibility. Earlier today, we saw a large tree float past, which shows how dangerous this environment is for our crews.”
Authorities are requesting the public to avoid the river while recovery operations continue and urge community members to keep the families of the missing girls in their thoughts.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” said a spokesperson for Omaha Fire. “But we remain committed to bringing closure to these families. Our teams will be out here at first light every day until this mission is complete.”