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
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.