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Wendy Shaffer has been identified as one of the victims of the fatal crash that took the lives of 64 people on American Airlines Flight 5342 and 3 people on the US Army Black Hawk helicopter. The collision occurred near Reagan National Airport on the evening of January 29, 2025.
A GoFundMe account has been set up by friends and family on behalf of Nathan Shaffer, Wendy Shaffer's husband. With a goal of $190k, the campaign has raised over $187k. This GoFundMe has been created to support Wendy Shaffer’s family and specifies she was a devoted wife to Nathan and a loving mother to their two young boys, ages 3 and 1.
As per the description, donations will go toward providing stability for the boys’ future and ensuring this grieving family has the support they need during this heartbreaking time.
The support will go for "funeral expenses, childcare, education, and the day-to-day needs of the family as they adjust to life without their beloved wife and mother."
In a statement to People Magazine, Wendy Shaffer's husband Nathan said:
“I’m still waiting to wake up from this nightmare, but I fear this is the truth... We will miss you more than words can express, Wendy Jo. I love you endlessly,”
Tributes from friends and family continue to pour in for Wendy Jo's tragic and sudden demise.
Victims apart from Wendy Shaffer that have been identified so far
Wendy Shaffer was among the 60 passengers and four crew members aboard the American Airlines flight when it collided midair with the Black Hawk military helicopter carrying three soldiers. The tragic accident sent both aircraft plunging into the Potomac River, leaving no survivors.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are looking into the cause of the accident. Among those who lost their lives in the tragic crash were five members of a local plumbers' union, 14 people affiliated with U.S. Figure Skating, three military personnel aboard the helicopter, and four crew members from the American Airlines flight, reported People Magazine.
Several victims of the tragic crash have been identified. Among them were U.S. figure skaters, including Spencer Lane (16) and Jinna Han, along with their mothers, Christine Lane and Jin Han. Coaches Evgenia Shishkova (52) and Vadim Naumov (55), as well as young skaters Everly (14) and Alydia Livingston (11), also lost their lives, according to People Magazine.
The crash also claimed members of the Wichita community, including civil rights attorney Kiah Duggins (30). Three U.S. Army soldiers, including Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves, were aboard the Black Hawk helicopter.
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The flight crew included Ian Epstein and Danasia Elder, along with pilots Sam Lilley (28) and Jonathan Campos (34), reported People Magazine.
Additionally, four members of Plumbers Local 602 and one from Plumbers Local 5 were among the victims. Fairfax Public Schools in Virginia lost three students and six parents, further deepening the impact of this tragedy across multiple communities.
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