Fairfax Schools Students, Parents Among D.C. Plane Crash Victims: Superintendent

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Unidentified students and parents from the Fairfax County Public Schools community are among the victims presumed dead in the Wednesday night crash of an American Airlines plane with a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport.

FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid confirmed members of the school community died in the crash. That included three FCPS students and six FCPS parents. Two of the parents were current or former FCPS staff.

The school district did not release the identities of the victims. The superintendent noted that many people on the flight were returning from a figure skating event in Wichita, Kansas.

"We are hearing from students, staff members, and others in the community who are expressing their care and concern for those who have lost loved ones," Reid said. "I invite you to join me in keeping all those affected by this deep community loss in our prayers."

Reid said principals, teachers, counselors and other crisis teams are assisting members of the school community needing resources. FCPS directed families to a resource on discussing traumatic events with children.

Similarly, Loudoun County Public Schools released a statement indicating multiple victims were former students of the school district. Identities were not released by LCPS.

Around 8:48 p.m. Wednesday, authorities responded to a collision between American Eagle Flight 5342 and a UH-60 Blackhawk. American Airlines said 60 passengers and four crew members were aboard. Three people were on the military helicopter.

As of Thursday morning, D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly said the rescue operation was changing to a recovery operation, as authorities do not believe there are any survivors.

Fairfax County was among the regional localities providing first responder and emergency management resources to help with the response. According to Fairfax County's director of public affairs Tony Castrilli, Fairfax County Police provided Fairfax One helicopter, a marine patrol unit and dive team, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue sent 22 units and 68 personnel, and the Department of Emergency Management and Security has helped the regional Incident Management Team.

"Fairfax County leadership remains in close contact with regional partners and will continue to provide any assistance necessary as recovery efforts continue," said Castrilli. "As we continue these efforts, we extend our deepest sympathies to the victims, their families and those impacted."

As recovery of bodies continues, Fairfax County asked residents with information about recovery in the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers to call 911.

SEE ALSO:

• Reagan Airport Plane Crash Updates: No Survivors Expected
• Who Was On Flight That Crashed Into Potomac: What We Know So Far
• 'I Need You To Land': Audio From Moments Before DC Plane Crash
• Figure Skating World Champions Killed In DC Plane Crash
• Ashburn Figure Skating Coach, Former LCPS Students Among Plane Crash Victims