Black Hawk Crash Near D.C. Kills Three U.S. Soldiers
A tragic air accident occurred on January 29 near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. A U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter collided mid-air with a passenger jet, killing three American soldiers.
Two Soldiers Identified
The Army identified two of the victims:
-
Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara, 28, from Lilburn, Georgia
-
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves, 39, from Great Mills, Maryland
The third soldier’s name remains undisclosed, as requested by the grieving family.
Experienced Pilot Among Victims
The unnamed pilot had logged over 500 hours of flight time. The Army noted their skill and professionalism. Officials stressed that the decision to withhold their identity honors the family’s need for privacy.
Nation Mourns the Fallen
The military community is in shock. Maj. Gen. Trevor J. Bredenkamp, commander of Joint Task Force–National Capital Region, offered his deepest condolences. He stated that the Army is working closely with both the NTSB and FAA to investigate the crash.
He added that recovery efforts are ongoing and that all possible support is being extended to the victims’ families.
Officials Dismiss Political Claims
The crash has stirred political speculation. Some public figures, including Donald Trump, blamed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies for the accident.
The Army firmly denied these claims.
Jonathan Koziol, chief of staff for the Army’s aviation directorate, confirmed that both pilots had experience flying this route at night. He emphasized that there’s no link between DEI policies and the crash.
Focus on Support and Investigation
This loss highlights the dangers faced by military personnel every day. While the investigation continues, the priority remains clear:
-
Support the families
-
Find the cause
-
Prevent future incidents
The Army has pledged full cooperation with all investigating agencies.
