Over 100 Join Interfaith Memorial Service at Wichita City Hall for AA Flight 5342

Community gathers to remember victims one year after tragic midair collision

Jan. 29, 2026 at 5:39pm

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More than 100 people gathered at Wichita City Hall's council chamber on Thursday for an interfaith memorial service to remember the 67 victims of the American Airlines Flight 5342 midair collision that occurred a year ago near Washington, D.C. The service featured prayers, songs, and remembrances led by religious leaders from various denominations, providing a backdrop of unity and support for the grieving community.

Why it matters

The tragic loss of life, including two Wichita State alumni, deeply impacted the local community. The interfaith memorial service was an opportunity for the city to come together in solidarity, grieve collectively, and honor the memory of those who perished in the accident.

The details

The one-hour-long service included prayers, hymns, and remarks from Wichita Mayor Lily Wu and religious leaders representing different faiths. The Greater Wichita Ministerial League organized the event to provide a space for the community to remember the victims, support their loved ones, and reflect on the tragedy.

  • The service was held on January 29, 2026, exactly one year after the American Airlines Flight 5342 midair collision.
  • The accident occurred on January 29, 2025, near Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C.

The players

Lily Wu

The mayor of Wichita, Kansas, who gave opening remarks at the memorial service.

Ronda Kingwood

A senior pastor at Great Plains United Methodist Church who facilitated the interfaith memorial service.

Jared Mortensen

A member of The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints who gave an emotional prayer for the families and loved ones of the victims.

Kiah Duggins

A Wichita State University alumnus who was among the 67 people who died in the American Airlines Flight 5342 midair collision.

Lori (Girard) Schrock

A Wichita State University alumnus who was among the 67 people who died in the American Airlines Flight 5342 midair collision.

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What they’re saying

“One year does not diminish loss. Grief has no timeline, and for many families, it remains close, including for families here in Wichita. Today we gather not to explain what cannot be explained but to remember, to honor and to stand together.”

— Lily Wu, Mayor of Wichita (thesunflower.com)

“Father, we ask you to please help us, us family and friends, that we will listen to the promptings of the Spirit, so that we might be able to help those that suffer in silence, that may look like they've healed, but they are still hurting.”

— Jared Mortensen, Member of The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints (thesunflower.com)

“It's okay to clap your hands and say, 'Lord, hear our prayer.' It's okay to say, 'Yes, Lord.' 'Amen, amen, amen.' 'Thank you, Lord.'”

— Ronda Kingwood, Senior Pastor at Great Plains United Methodist Church (thesunflower.com)

What’s next

The city of Wichita plans to hold an annual memorial service on January 29th to honor the victims of the American Airlines Flight 5342 midair collision.

The takeaway

The interfaith memorial service in Wichita demonstrated the community's resilience and unity in the face of tragedy. By coming together to remember the victims and support their loved ones, the city showed that it will continue to grieve and heal together, honoring the memory of those who were lost.