Haunting last post from US figure skater moments before crash

The collision involving an American Airlines jet and a Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C., on January 29 has left the nation in mourning.

Now, additional details are emerging about those who tragically lost their lives in this devastating accident.

Authorities now fear that the number of fatalities from the crash between the American Airlines aircraft and the Black Hawk helicopter has surpassed 60. The incident took place on January 29 above Washington, D.C.

Flight 5342 was on its final approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport when the disaster occurred. The airport has since ceased all departures and arrivals as investigations commence and emergency teams work to locate survivors.

A massive search and recovery mission is now underway, with teams scouring the Potomac River, where both the helicopter and plane ended up after the impact. So far, 28 bodies have been retrieved, and officials expect that number to climb.

One of the confirmed passengers was 26-year-old Spencer Lane, a member of the U.S. figure skating team.

Just before the flight, he shared a post on social media from Wichita Airport in Kansas. Given the tragic turn of events, the post is particularly heartbreaking.

At approximately 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, he uploaded a photo of the airplane wing—an aircraft that would ultimately crash. The caption read, “ICT -> DCA,” referring to Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Reports suggest that additional members of the American figure skating team were also on board. They had been scheduled to compete in the upcoming Winter Olympics and were traveling back to the D.C. area after attending a National Development Camp for aspiring skaters in Wichita, Kansas.

The latest updates regarding the crash have been grim. During a press conference, DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly provided a difficult announcement.

“We have now reached the stage where we are transitioning from a rescue mission to a recovery effort,” he stated.

He then delivered the heartbreaking confirmation: “At this point, we do not believe there are any survivors from this crash.”

Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy revealed that the aircraft had broken into three pieces and assured the public that search efforts would persist.

Duffy explained that both aircraft had been following "routine flight paths" prior to the crash, adding that "it is not uncommon for military aircraft to fly along the river while commercial flights land at DCA."

The black boxes from both the helicopter and the jet will be crucial in determining what led to this fatal mid-air collision. The military helicopter and commercial plane made contact as the jet was on its descent toward Runway 33 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom addressed the public, stating that he would personally travel to Washington, D.C., with a specialized team to conduct an investigation.

“This is an incredibly difficult time for everyone at American Airlines," he said. "Right now, our focus is entirely on assisting our passengers, crew members, emergency responders, and most importantly, the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy.

"I understand there are many unanswered questions. While I may not have all the details at this moment, I want to share what we do know."

Former President Donald Trump also commented on the accident, describing it as a "terrible situation" that "should have been avoided."

“The plane was on a normal, well-established approach to the airport,” he posted on Truth Social.

“The helicopter was heading directly toward the aircraft for an extended period. It was a CLEAR NIGHT, the plane’s lights were shining brightly—why didn’t the helicopter ascend, descend, or change direction?”

“Why didn’t air traffic control instruct the helicopter on how to avoid the collision instead of merely asking if they could see the approaching plane? This is a horrible situation that appears preventable. NOT GOOD!!! What an awful night. God bless everyone involved!” he wrote.

Our deepest sympathies go out to the families dealing with this heartbreaking tragedy.

Please share this with those who may want to stay informed about the situation.