NC, local officials express grief over Charlotte crew and others killed in DC plane crash
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American Airlines plane crash in Washington
American Airlines flight 5342 from Wichita collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 29, 2025. Authorities said no one survived, including a Charlotte-based crew. Here is ongoing coverage from The Charlotte Observer.
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A wave of state and local government officials expressed condolences to the families of the American Eagle flight crew from Charlotte and others onboard on that plane and the military Black Hawk helicopter it collided with over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. Wednesday night.
“Like everyone around the country, I grieve for those who lost their lives in the tragic accident in Washington D.C.,” Mayor Vi Lyles wrote in a tweeted memo Thursday. “This terrible loss will be felt deeper here in Charlotte as we learn that several of the people who perished were from Charlotte.”
Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Danté Anderson retweeted Lyles’ messaged adding her “deepest sympathy for the Charlotteans and their families.”
A total of 67 people died in the collision — 60 passengers, four crew members on the commercial plane and three people on the military chopper.
Other reactions about the deadly crash
Gov. Josh Stein confirmed that the crew members were from the Charlotte region. He also expressed his condolences in a tweet.
“My heart goes out to everyone who lost loved ones in the tragic DCA plane crash.”
Senator Thom Tillis said on X the incident “hit close to home.”
On X, Charlotte City Councilwoman Dimple Ajmera said when she learned that some of the victims were from the city, her heart hurt.
“In this moment of profound grief, we stand united in solidarity, sending our deepest condolences and prayers to all those impacted by this unimaginable tragedy,” she wrote in a tweet.
Former presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama tweeted that they were sending prayers to all involved. They also expressed gratitude to the first responders on the scene.
Congressman Pat Harrigan, who represents North Carolina’s 10th district echoed the sentiment.
“As first responders work tirelessly and details unfold, our hearts are with everyone impacted. We stand ready to support those in need during this heartbreaking time,” Harrigan tweeted.
Former congressman Wiley Nickel, who represented the state’s 13th district, sent his condolences via X and added that the Federal Aviation Administration needed “strong leadership and adequate funding to make sure this never happens again.”
Nickel also reposted a video of President Donald Trump answering questions at a news conference. Trump suggested that the cause of the crash may have stemmed from diversity, equity and inclusion hires. Nickel criticized such sentiment.
Charlotte City Councilman Malcolm Graham echoed the sentiment on X, adding, “Despite a national tragedy, Trump simply cannot rise to the occasion. We deserve better.”
Other representatives expressing their sorrow including Congressman Don Davis, Congressman Addison McDowell and Congresswoman Deborah Ross, to name a few.
Correction: This story was updated to note that Wiley Nickel is a former congressman.
This story was originally published January 30, 2025 at 3:36 PM with the headline "NC, local officials express grief over Charlotte crew and others killed in DC plane crash."
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