The crew chief of the U.S. Army Black Hawk that collided with American Airlines Flight 5342 has been identified as 28-year-old Staff Sgt. Ryan O’Hara. There were no survivors from the devastating collision over Reagan International Airport in Washington, D.C., in which the death toll is estimated to be 67. The crash is one of the deadliest U.S. air disasters to have occurred in recent decades.
O’Hara graduated from Parkview High School in Gwinnett County, Georgia, in 2014 and was married with a one-year-old son. His father, Gary, noted that the crew his son flew with was “probably the most respected pilots that Ryan had ever flown with.” Gary added, “He trusted them with his life.” Ryan’s parents were watching the news as their son was retrieved from the Potomac River.
“It’s very touching to see the other soldiers saluting as they take him out with a draped flag over it,” Gary said. “But to sit there and think that that’s my little boy — it’s crushing.” The father maintained that meritocracy was used to determine who flew a Blackhawk. “You have to earn your spot to be moved into the ladder to be put into that helicopter. They don’t just give it to you. You earn it,” he said. “And you know, all of those soldiers that protect us, they earn their stripes every single day.”
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp extended his thoughts and prayers to the victims of the crash. “We send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Ryan O’Hara and Sam Lilley as they navigate this difficult time. Both of these young Georgians shared a passion for flight and for serving others, and this terrible tragedy is that much more difficult knowing their lives were cut so unexpectedly short. Marty, the girls, and I ask that all Georgians join us in keeping their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers,” he said.
Georgia House Majority Caucus Whip James Burchett also released a statement about O’Hara. “Like all Americans, I mourn the loss of life in this tragic incident that claimed the lives of at least two Georgians, Ryan O’Hara and Sam Lilley,” he wrote. “While we will no doubt learn what went wrong and what we can do to prevent accidents like this in the coming weeks, I join all Georgians today in mourning the loss of these two young men and the dozens of others who lost their lives in this tragedy.”
President Trump weighed in on the disaster offering his thoughts and prayers. “I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise,” he said. Similarly, Vice President JD Vance wrote on X, “Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best.”
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom addressed the crash on behalf of his country. “Today is a devastating day for our American Airlines family. The heartbreaking accident of American Eagle Flight 5342 weighs heavily on our airline the industry and the world. The National Transportation Safety Board is now at the helm and is leading this investigation, and we’re grateful for their leadership,” he said.
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“They’ll provide details on the investigation going forward, but there are a few things I can share at this time last night, the military helicopter collided with American Eagle Flight 5342 upon its approach to Washington Reagan National Airport,” the CEO continued. “We’re devastated. I know that everyone is hurting. I arrived in DC earlier today and have been in constant contact with our team, government officials and first responders, and want to thank everyone who’s given their time and compassion to supporting these efforts.”
Listen to air traffic control audio of the crash below: