Third Soldier Killed in Military Aircraft Collision Identified by Army

The U.S. Army has identified Cpt. Rebecca M. Lobach as the third soldier killed in Wednesday’s tragic helicopter collision with an American Airlines jet near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.

Lobach, a Durham, N.C. native, had served as an Army aviation officer since July 2019. Among her military honors were an Army Commendation Medal and an Achievement Medal.

In a statement, her family described her as a distinguished ROTC graduate from the University of North Carolina, ranking among the top 20% of cadets nationwide. She had logged over 450 flight hours and earned her pilot-in-command certification after rigorous testing by senior battalion pilots.

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Beyond her aviation career, Lobach was also a certified sexual harassment/assault response advocate and had aspirations of becoming a physician after her military service.

Her family expressed deep sorrow over her passing, calling her “a bright star in all our lives” and remembering her as kind, brilliant, ambitious, and strong. They requested privacy as they mourn their loss.

The Army had previously identified the two other soldiers who perished in the crash:

• Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara, 28, of Lilburn, Georgia, who served as crew chief
• Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves, 39, of Great Mills, Maryland, who was a pilot

Lobach’s name was initially withheld at her family’s request. There has been no official explanation for the delay.

Meanwhile, as the investigation into the crash begins, former President Donald Trump has publicly speculated that FAA policies on diversity hiring, particularly for air traffic controllers, may have compromised flight safety. However, no evidence has emerged linking those policies to the accident.

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Lailyah Duncan

Lailyah Duncan is an insightful writer at The Chieftain Spear, where she explores themes of culture, resilience, and community through compelling storytelling. Passionate about bringing diverse perspectives to light, Lailyah's work reflects a deep commitment to empowering voices and fostering meaningful conversations. With a talent for weaving narrative and purpose, she continues to inspire her readers with thought-provoking articles that celebrate heritage and advocate for positive change.

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