Families Mark 1st Anniversary of Deadly US Aircraft Crash

Victims' loved ones call for reforms to prevent future tragedies

Jan. 29, 2026 at 2:47am

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Families of the 67 people killed in a 2025 aircraft collision near Washington, D.C. gathered to mark the first anniversary of the tragedy. The ceremony included musical performances, a montage of victims, and speeches calling for reforms to improve aviation safety and prevent similar crashes in the future.

Why it matters

The crash was the deadliest plane crash on U.S. soil since 2001, sparking outrage over years of ignored warnings and near-misses. The families' calls for reforms, including a bill to require advanced locator systems, aim to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.

The details

The collision occurred on January 29, 2025 when an American Airlines jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed near Reagan National Airport, killing all 67 people aboard. Investigators testified that the crash was '100% preventable' and cited a lack of safety measures. The memorial featured tributes to the victims, including 28 figure skaters, and honored the first responders who rushed to the scene.

  • The aircraft collision occurred on January 29, 2025.
  • The memorial ceremony was held on January 29, 2026, marking the one-year anniversary of the crash.

The players

Doug Lane

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

Jennifer Homendy

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

Alyia Gaskins

Mayor of Alexandria, who announced a memorial plaque would be established on the Potomac River.

Matt Collins

Brother of passenger Chris Collins, 42, who died in the crash.

Rachel Feres

Cousin of Peter Livingston, 48, who died along with his wife, Donna Livingston, 48, and their children, Alydia Livingston, 11, and Everly Livingston, 14.

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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, 49, and father of aspiring figure skater Spencer Lane, 16

“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, 48

“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

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This tragedy has galvanized the victims' families to advocate for critical aviation safety reforms, including advanced collision avoidance technology, to ensure no other families have to endure such a devastating loss. Their grief has fueled a determination to honor their loved ones by making air travel safer for all.