Families Mark 1st Anniversary of Deadly Aircraft Crash

Victims' loved ones remember lost lives and call for reforms to prevent future tragedies.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Families of the 67 people killed in a mid-air collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C. in January 2025 gathered to mark the first anniversary of the tragedy. The ceremony featured musical performances, a montage of victim portraits and videos, and speeches from family members and officials calling for reforms to improve aviation safety and prevent such crashes in the future.

Why it matters

The crash was the deadliest plane crash on U.S. soil since 2001, sparking outrage and demands for action from the victims' families. Investigators have cited years of ignored warnings and near-misses leading up to the incident, underscoring the need for policy changes to enhance aircraft collision avoidance systems and improve coordination between civilian and military aviation.

The details

The collision occurred on January 29, 2025 near Reagan National Airport, killing all 67 people aboard the two aircraft. Testimony from National Transportation Safety Board investigators revealed the crash was "100% preventable" and resulted from a confluence of factors, including outdated technology, communication breakdowns, and lax oversight. Family members have advocated tirelessly for reforms, including a bill to require advanced locator systems on aircraft.

  • The crash occurred on January 29, 2025.
  • The one-year anniversary memorial service was held on January 29, 2026.

The players

Doug Lane

Husband of Christine Conrad Lane, 49, and father of aspiring figure skater Spencer Lane, 16, who both died in the crash.

Jennifer Homendy

Chairwoman of the National Transportation Safety Board, who testified the crash was "100% preventable".

Sen. Ted Cruz

Republican senator who said a bill requiring advanced aircraft locator systems was close to final passage.

Sean Duffy

Secretary of Transportation, who applauded the families for their advocacy.

Rachel Feres

Cousin of Peter Livingston, 48, who died along with his wife and two children in the crash.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“While we were powerless in that moment to help our loved ones, we were not powerless to help each other. So that's what we did, and that's what we've done ever since.”

— Doug Lane, Husband of Christine Conrad Lane and father of Spencer Lane (wpri.com)

“Honoring the 67 means more than remembering who they were. It means allowing their lives and our love for them to shape what we choose to do going forward.”

— Rachel Feres, Cousin of Peter Livingston (wpri.com)

“Obviously you were angry. You couldn't comprehend, how could this happen? Who could let this happen? You had choices, and you chose to pay it forward.”

— Sean Duffy, Secretary of Transportation (wpri.com)

What’s next

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz said a bill requiring advanced aircraft locator systems to help prevent collisions is close to final passage in Congress.

The takeaway

This tragedy has galvanized the victims' families to advocate tirelessly for critical aviation safety reforms, including upgraded collision avoidance technology and better coordination between civilian and military air traffic control. Their efforts aim to honor the lives lost and ensure no other families endure such devastating loss in the future.