The devastating loss of life in Wednesday's DC plane crash has sent shockwaves across the nation, and the Army has now identified the third soldier who perished in the tragedy. Captain Rebecca M. Lobach, a 28-year-old aviation officer from Durham, North Carolina, was among the three soldiers on board the Black Hawk helicopter that collided with an American Airlines passenger jet, resulting in the deaths of all 67 people on both aircraft.
Lobach's family and friends are still reeling from the news, remembering her as a brilliant, kind, and dedicated soldier who inspired those around her. With around 500 hours of flying time in the Black Hawk, Lobach was an experienced pilot who had served in the Army since July 2019. Her fellow pilots, Ryan O'Hara and Chief Warrant Office 2 Andrew Eaves, were also killed in the crash.
The incident has sparked an outpouring of grief and support for the families of the victims. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump have faced criticism for making baseless claims about the crash, with some conspiracy theories falsely linking the tragedy to diversity and inclusion practices. However, these claims have been widely debunked, and the investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the probe, with assistance from the Army and other authorities. While the exact cause of the crash remains unclear, preliminary reports suggest that both aircraft experienced critical issues moments before the collision.
Lobach's family has released a statement, paying tribute to their beloved daughter and sister. "She was a bright star in all our lives," they said. "She was kind, generous, brilliant, funny, ambitious, and strong. No one dreamed bigger or worked harder to achieve her goals." The family also expressed their condolences to the other families who lost loved ones in the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, the nation is coming together to mourn the loss of life and to support the families of the victims. Captain Rebecca Lobach's legacy as a dedicated soldier and talented pilot will be remembered for years to come, and her sacrifice will not be forgotten ¹ ².
