Local News
Victims Killed in Washington Plane Crash Over Potomac River Identified
Over 30 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River so far, according to sources involved in the rescue operations.

Washington, D.C. – A devastating midair collision between an American Airlines flight and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night has claimed the lives of 67 individuals.
Authorities have transitioned from an intensive search-and-rescue mission involving more than 300 first responders to a solemn recovery operation.
The following is an overview of the victims confirmed so far.
This list will be updated as more information becomes available.
Figure Skating Community Mourns Profound Loss

Spencer Lane, 16, an accomplished figure skater and member of the Skating Club of Boston in Norwood, Massachusetts.

Christine Lane, mother of Spencer Lane, who was accompanying her son home from the National Development Camp in Wichita, Kansas.

Jinna Han, 16, a talented figure skater and peer of Spencer Lane at the Skating Club of Boston.
Jin Han, mother of Jinna Han, an integral part of the close-knit Boston skating community.

Evgenia Shishkova, 52, former world champion and esteemed figure skating coach with over 20 years of experience at the Skating Club of Boston.

Vadim Naumov, 55, former world champion in pairs figure skating (1994) and coach at the Skating Club of Boston. He was the husband of Shishkova and father to their son, Maxim Naumov, who had traveled on an earlier flight.

Inna Volyanskaya, an ice skating coach in Ashburn, Virginia, known for her contributions to the skating community and performance in ice theater.

Brielle Beyer, 12, a promising figure skater from Virginia, accompanied by her mother Justyna Magdalena Beyer.
Their families and the skating world remember them as passionate, dedicated athletes and mentors.
Flight Crew Remembered for Dedication to Aviation

Samuel Lilley, 28, First Officer on the American Eagle jet. Known for his kindness and enthusiasm, he was engaged to be married this fall.

Jonathan Campos, Captain of the American Eagle flight and a 2015 graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Ian Epstein, flight attendant, remembered for his love of travel and devotion to family.

Danasia Brown, flight attendant, whose family grieves the loss of a beloved relative.
Union Workers and Tradesmen Among Victims

Mikey Stovall, a Maryland native and steamfitter, returning from an annual duck hunting trip with friends.
Charles “Charlie” McDaniel, 44, a veteran steamfitter and UA Local 602 member.

Jonathan Boyd, 40, a longtime member of UA Local 602.
Alexander “Alex” Huffman, 34, a dedicated tradesman with nine years in the union.

Jesse Pitcher, 30, a steamfitter with UA Local 5, known for his strong work ethic.
The United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters confirmed their tragic losses in a statement.
Business and Legal Professionals

Asra Hussain, a consultant and beloved wife, whose husband, Hamaad Raza, awaited her at the airport that evening.

Kiah Duggins, Harvard Law graduate and future professor at Howard University School of Law, who was deeply involved in civil rights litigation.

Casey Crafton, a devoted father, volunteer youth soccer coach, and respected community member from Salem, Connecticut.

Liz Keys, an attorney who tragically passed away on her 33rd birthday.

Vikesh Patel, a GE Aerospace executive, mourned by colleagues and industry leaders.
Students and Young Lives Lost

Olivia Eve Ter, 12, a talented figure skater from Prince George’s County, Maryland.

Grace Maxwell, 20, Cedarville University student returning from her grandfather’s funeral.
Military Personnel Honored for Their Service

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves, a highly respected soldier from Brooksville, Mississippi.

Ryan O’Hara, a dedicated crew chief known for his professionalism and commitment to excellence.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed condolences, acknowledging their shared passion for flight and service.
Families Lost Together

Lori Schrock, 56, and Robert “Bob” Schrock, 58, traveling to visit their daughter in college.

Everly Livingston, 14, Alydia Livingston, 11, and their parents Donna and Peter Livingston, deeply mourned in their Virginia community.

Roger, Stephanie, and Cory Haynos, a devoted family who centered their lives around supporting their son’s figure skating aspirations.
Other Notable Victims

Wendy Jo Shaffer, a beloved mother and wife from North Carolina, mourned by her husband and young children.
Chris Collins, a Massachusetts native known for his adventurous spirit and successful career in finance.

Pergentino N. Malabed, a high-ranking official in the Philippines National Police, on official travel at the time of the crash.
Community in Mourning
This tragedy has left families, colleagues, and communities across the country in profound grief.
The loss of so many remarkable individuals has deeply impacted diverse fields, from aviation and military service to figure skating, legal advocacy, and trade professions.
Authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the midair collision as loved ones gather to remember those lost.
Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of the victims during this heartbreaking time.
Local News
Pilot who died in Scottsdale crash identified as 78-year-old Joie Vitosky

Scottsdale, AZ – The pilot who tragically lost his life in a private jet crash at Scottsdale Airport on Monday has been identified as 78-year-old Joie Vitosky, according to local authorities.
Vitosky, a highly experienced aviator with six decades of flying experience, was hailed as a hero by his family.
His daughter, Jana Schertzer, credited his skill and composure in the cockpit for saving the lives of the other passengers on board.
“I wholeheartedly believe that the reason those other passengers are alive is because of how he handled it yesterday,” Schertzer stated on Tuesday.
Vitosky’s passion for aviation spanned more than 60 years, beginning with his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he piloted helicopters before transitioning to jets.
Initially, he had intended to become an engineer, but his military service led him to a lifelong career in aviation, including multiple tours during the Vietnam War.
After leaving the Marines, Vitosky pursued a diverse flying career, piloting aircraft for prominent figures such as civil rights leader Jesse Jackson and Maureen Reagan, as well as corporate executives and oil industry leaders.
In addition to private charters, he also conducted critical transport flights, retrieving parts for companies like FedEx and flying transplant patients awaiting life-saving surgeries.
“It wasn’t just about flying wealthy clients,” Schertzer said. “There were so many people who genuinely needed his help—whether it was an emergency transport or a crucial medical flight.”
Vitosky’s love for flying extended to his family, with Schertzer recalling how she and her siblings often accompanied him on flights when seats were available.
“We’ve all grown up going on trips with my dad when we could—when there was space on the plane, and passengers didn’t mind,” she reminisced.
At 78 years old, Vitosky remained an active and capable pilot, defying assumptions about age. Schertzer emphasized that her father was in excellent health, with perfect vision, and came from a family with a history of longevity.
“He was the epitome of health,” she stated. “There was nothing wrong with him—his vision was even better than 20/20.”
The fatal accident occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Monday when a Learjet 35A, arriving from Austin, Texas, experienced landing gear failure upon touchdown at Scottsdale Airport, according to airport officials.
The Learjet, which had two pilots (including Vitosky) and two passengers on board, veered off the runway and collided with a parked Gulfstream jet, which had one occupant inside.
Emergency responders reported that:
- Two individuals suffered critical injuries
- One person sustained non-life-threatening injuries
Air Traffic Response & Investigation
In audio recordings from air traffic control, controllers swiftly redirected nearby aircraft to avoid further complications.
One controller can be heard issuing a warning to an incoming aircraft:
“Maintain altitude and go around. We just had an emergency.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken over the investigation, with federal aviation officials working to determine the cause of the crash.
So far, the only other individual publicly identified from the crash is 43-year-old Rain Hannah Andreani, the girlfriend of Mötley Crüe lead singer Vince Neil.
Neil, who owns the Learjet, was not on board at the time of the crash, according to his legal representative Worrick Robinson IV, who addressed the incident via the band’s official Instagram account.
The runway at Scottsdale Airport was temporarily closed but reopened shortly before 9 p.m. Monday.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the landing gear failure and subsequent collision. The aviation community, friends, and family members of Joie Vitosky are mourning the loss of a seasoned pilot whose expertise in the skies was widely respected.