Attorney, Skating Community Members Among Passengers on Plane That Crashed Near DC

The devastating plane crash near Washington DC on Wednesday claimed 67 lives, including a former Miss Kansas contestant and attorney, Kiah Duggins, and figure skating team members.

Key Takeaways

An American Airlines plane collided with a military helicopter during the week, resulting in 67 fatalities.
Among the victims was Kiah Duggins, a civil rights attorney and former Miss Kansas contestant.
14 members of the figure skating community, including skaters and coaches, were also on the flight.
The crash is considered the deadliest airline accident on U.S. soil in over two decades.

Tragic Collision Claims 67 Lives

In a heartbreaking incident that has shocked the nation, 67 lives were lost when an American Airlines plane collided with a military helicopter near Washington DC. The crash, involving Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter, has been deemed the deadliest airline accident on US soil in over two decades. The collision claimed the lives of 64 passengers and crew members on the plane, as well as three personnel aboard the helicopter.

As the nation grapples with this tragedy, recovery operations have resulted in at least 40 bodies retrieved from the Potomac River. The cause of the collision remains unknown, leaving investigators with the daunting task of piecing together the events that led to this catastrophic event.

Kiah Duggins’ Life Cut Short

Among the victims was Kiah Duggins, a civil rights attorney and former Miss Kansas contestant. Duggins was reportedly en route to Washington DC to prepare for her new role as a law professor at Howard University.

Former Sedgwick County Commissioner Lacey Cruse spoke of her death, stating, “Her loss is heartbreaking, not only for her family and friends but for everyone who believes in justice and equality. May her work, her message, and her spirit continue to inspire and create change. Gone too soon but never forgotten.”

REST IN PEACE 💔 The first confirmed victim from Wichita in last night's plane crash in DC has been identified as civil rights attorney Kiah Duggins.

Former Sedgwick County Commissioner Lacey Cruse confirmed Duggins' passing, saying she was a "brave and beautiful soul." pic.twitter.com/qeAIOZLAZZ

— KAKE News (@KAKEnews) January 30, 2025

Figure Skating Community Mourns

The crash has also dealt a devastating blow to the figure skating community, with 14 members, including skaters, their mothers, and coaches, perishing in the accident. Among the victims were Spencer Lane and his mother Christine Lane, as well as Russian coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. These individuals were returning from a development camp, their lives cut short as they pursued their passion for the sport.

The loss of these talented athletes and mentors has sent shockwaves through the figure skating world, leaving a void that will be felt for years to come. Their dedication to their craft and the bonds forged within the skating community make this tragedy particularly heart-wrenching for those who knew them.

Communities in Mourning

The impact of this tragedy extends far beyond the immediate families of the victims. Communities across the nation are grappling with the loss of beloved members. Grace Maxwell, a mechanical engineering student at Cedarville University, was remembered as “a thoughtful, quiet student leader” with “a keen interest in helping others through engineering.”

Bob and Lori Schrock, a couple from Kiowa, Kansas, were cherished for their kindness and community focus. Their loss leaves a void in their hometown, where their contributions were deeply valued. The aviation community also mourns the loss of Sam Lilley, a 28-year-old American Airlines pilot, and Ian Epstein, a 53-year-old flight attendant, both of whom perished in the crash.

As the nation comes to terms with this tragedy, the focus remains on honoring the memory of those lost and supporting the families left behind. The resilience of the American spirit will be crucial in the days and weeks ahead as communities rally together to heal and remember the lives so tragically cut short.