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. โ 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 Georgeโs County, Maryland.
Grace Maxwell, 20, Cedarville University student returning from her grandfatherโs funeral.
Military Personnel Honored for Their Service
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves, a highly respected soldier from Brooksville, Mississippi.
Ryan OโHara, 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 โBobโ 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 sonโs 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
Jimmy Brooks Killed in Wrong-Way Tesla Crash on I-26 in Buncombe County, Driver Bradley Vance Charged
BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. โ Jimmy Lee Brooks, 42, of Leicester, North Carolina, died after a wrong-way Tesla crash involving three vehicles on Interstate 26 near Asheville on Thursday afternoon, October 22, 2026.
Several other people were injured in the collision, and the Tesla driver has been charged in connection with the fatal crash.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Bradley Vance Lanier, 54, of Taylors, South Carolina, was driving a Tesla westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-26 near Exit 37 when the vehicle struck a Honda SUV head-on before colliding with a Honda passenger car.
Brooks was a passenger in the Honda passenger car. He was transported to Mission Hospital in Asheville, where he was pronounced dead from his injuries.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol said troopers responded to the crash at approximately 2:30 p.m. Thursday near mile marker 37 on eastbound I-26.
According to the agency’s statement, the Tesla entered the interstate traveling west in the eastbound lanes near Exit 37, also associated with Long Shoals Road. The vehicle first struck a Honda SUV head-on and then collided with a Honda passenger car.
A trooper from a neighboring county arrived shortly after the collision and began providing assistance to a passenger inside the Honda passenger car.
The car’s driver and two passengers were transported to Mission Hospital with serious injuries. Brooks was among the passengers and later died at the hospital. Authorities said the conditions of the other occupants were not immediately known.
The driver of the Honda SUV was also taken to Mission Hospital with minor injuries and was later released.
Lanier, the driver of the Tesla, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Mission Hospital before being released, according to the Highway Patrol.
Troopers subsequently charged him with four offenses:
- Driving while impaired (DWI)
- Felony death by vehicle
- Felony serious injury
- Reckless driving
Following his release from the hospital, Lanier was taken to the Buncombe County Detention Facility, where he was being held on a $5 million secured bond, according to the agency’s statement.
The charges are allegations, and the case will proceed through the court system. The official statement does not establish a conviction.
Interstate 26 was closed for approximately two hours while troopers investigated the collision and documented the scene.
The investigation centers on the circumstances that led the Tesla to travel in the wrong direction on the eastbound side of the interstate and the subsequent collisions involving the two Honda vehicles.
Authorities have not released the current medical conditions of all the injured occupants.
The fatal crash claimed the life of Brooks, a Leicester resident, and left several other people requiring hospital treatment.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the collision. Further information about the case may be released as the investigation and legal proceedings continue.