Local News
Army named Black Hawk helicopter pilot killed in DC midair collision as Cpt. Rebecca Lobach
Durham, NC — The U.S. Army has officially identified Capt. Rebecca M. Lobach of Durham, North Carolina, as the third soldier killed in Wednesday night’s tragic military aviation accident in Washington, D.C. Capt.
Lobach, a distinguished alumna of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, was aboard a Black Hawk helicopter that collided with an American Airlines passenger jet before both aircraft plunged into the icy waters of the Potomac River.
The Army’s announcement comes amid an ongoing investigation led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The crash has resulted in a presumed death toll of 67 individuals, including 60 American Airlines passengers, four crew members, and the three soldiers aboard the Black Hawk.
In an unusual move, the Army initially withheld the identities of the victims, citing the need to notify next of kin. Reuters previously reported that the Black Hawk’s crew consisted of two male soldiers and one female soldier, now confirmed to be Capt. Lobach.
At her family’s home in Rougemont, northern Durham County, military officials and grieving loved ones have gathered in the days following the tragedy. Friends and neighbors have expressed profound disbelief and sorrow over the loss of Capt. Lobach, remembering her as an exceptional individual both in and out of uniform.
Capt. Lobach was widely regarded as a talented and brilliant pilot, known for her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Friends who knew her through the ROTC program at UNC Chapel Hill recall her determination and resilience. She earned the distinguished military graduate honor, placing her among the top 20% of cadets nationwide—a testament to her leadership skills and academic achievements.
“She was a patriot who deeply loved her country,” said Sam Brown, a close friend and fellow ROTC graduate. “Rebecca embodied everything I aspired to be, and having her as one of my best friends was an incredible privilege. We were so fortunate to have known her.”
Another friend, Sarah Bell, described Lobach as “meticulous in everything she did. She never approached anything half-heartedly or impulsively—whether in life or in the cockpit of a Black Hawk.”
Her friends universally described her as giving, fun, and “golden,” reflecting on the bright light she brought into their lives. She was not only a capable and courageous pilot but also a loyal friend whose warmth and spirit left a lasting impact on everyone she met.
The NTSB continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision, working alongside military officials and aviation experts. Preliminary reports suggest that both aircraft experienced critical issues moments before the crash, but the exact cause has yet to be determined.
As the investigation unfolds, Capt. Lobach’s legacy as a dedicated soldier and cherished friend will be remembered by all who had the honor of knowing her. Funeral arrangements are pending, and the Army is providing support to her family during this difficult time.
Local News
Suspended Dearborn Ford worker Thomas Sabula received more than $320K after Trump flips him off
DEARBORN, Mich. — A suspended Ford Motor Company employee has become the focus of national attention after a confrontation with former President Donald Trump during a visit to a Dearborn assembly plant, prompting an outpouring of public support that has raised more than $324,000 for his family through an online fundraiser.
The worker, Thomas “TJ” Sabula, a 40-year-old United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 600 member, was placed on suspension pending an internal investigation following an exchange that occurred while Trump was touring the facility.
According to video later obtained and published by TMZ, an off-camera voice can be heard shouting “pedophile protector” at the former president, an apparent reference to the administration’s handling of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
In the footage, Trump appears to mouth an expletive and make a hand gesture before walking away.
The Washington Post subsequently identified Sabula as the individual who made the remark.
In an interview with the newspaper, Sabula confirmed that he was suspended after the incident and said he believes the action amounts to political retaliation.
“As far as calling him out, definitely no regrets whatsoever,” Sabula told The Post. “But I am concerned about my job. I believe I’ve been targeted for political retribution for embarrassing him in front of his friends.”
Sabula, who describes himself as politically independent, said he has never voted for Trump, though he has supported Republican candidates in the past.
In the days following the incident, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist Sabula and his family during his suspension.
The campaign states that Sabula is “a father of two young children, a husband, and a proud UAW Local 600 line worker,” and that the funds will be used to help cover household and living expenses “during this time of uncertainty.” Donations quickly surged past $100,000, with notable contributions reportedly made by the rock band Dropkick Murphys.
Supporters have characterized Sabula’s actions as a form of protest and free expression, while others have questioned whether his conduct violated workplace policies.
Ford Motor Company and union representatives have not publicly released details regarding the status of the internal investigation or whether disciplinary action beyond the suspension is being considered.
Following his visit to the Dearborn plant, Trump went on to deliver remarks at the Detroit Economic Club, where he had last spoken in October 2024.
The incident continues to draw attention amid broader political debate, as questions remain about workplace discipline, free speech, and the role of political expression in employment settings.