The soldier killed in Wednesday night’s helicopter-plane crash over Washington, D.C., was identified as a Parkview High School graduate from Gwinnett County, according to the school’s JROTC program.
Ryan O’Hara, a 2014 graduate, was the Crew Chief on board the Black Hawk helicopter, the JROTC said in a statement.
“Ryan is fondly remembered as a guy who would fix things around the ROTC gym as well as a vital member of the Rifle Team,” the statement said. “Ryan leaves behind a wife and 1-year-old son.”
O’Hara was one of three soldiers on the helicopter that collided with American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, over the Potomac River. The soldiers were on a training flight, and the plane carried 64 passengers and crew members.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed that the soldiers completed an annual proficiency training flight Thursday. Hegseth said that the crew was wearing night vision goggles and was experienced, completing an annual night evaluation.
The U.S. Figure Skating Association confirmed that several of its members were on the passenger plane the helicopter collided with. The Skating Club of Boston sent skaters, coaches and family members to attend a development camp following the U.S. Figure Skating Championship.
At least 28 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River, but many of the victims have not been identified.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority issued a statement Thursday saying it is “devastated” by the tragic crash Wednesday evening.
“We send our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. We are so grateful for our mutual aid partners who worked closely with our first responders at the scene of the crash,” the statement says.
The NTSB, U.S. military and other federal agencies are investigating the crash.
