Tragedy Over the Potomac River: Remembering the Crew and Passengers Lost in a Rare Mid-Air Collision

An American Airlines flight from Wichita to Reagan National Airport collided with a U.S. military helicopter over the Potomac River, killing all 67 aboard, including flight attendants Danasia Elder and Ian Epstein, and pilots Jonathan Campos and Samuel Lilley. Elder, remembered for her warmth and devotion to passengers, leaves behind her husband and two young children. The rare midair collision, which occurred in clear weather near one of the nation’s busiest airspaces, has prompted a major NTSB investigation alongside the FAA and Department of Defense. Families, colleagues, and communities are mourning the victims while officials pledge to uncover the cause and prevent future tragedies.