Who was the pilot of the Blackhawk helicopter? All about Andrew Eaves as wife mourns his passing

Andrew Eaves has been identified as one of the pilots aboard the doomed army Black Hawk helicopter that collided mid-air with an American Airlines passenger.

The incident occurred over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night. Eaves was the Chief Warrant Office 2 of Mississippi. His wife, Carrie, took to Facebook on January 30 to confirm his demise. At the time, Eaves was reportedly engaging in a training exercise.

At the time of writing, not much else is known about Andrew Eaves except that he grew up in Brooksville. WDAM also reports that he was a graduate of the Central Academy. He was also with Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion out of Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, like the other two soldiers with him.

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Everything we know about Andrew Eaves, the legacy he leaves behind, and the fateful crash

In her statement on Facebook, Andrew Eaves' wife, Carrie Eaves, penned the following request:

"I am sure by now all of you have heard the news of the tragedy that has occurred in DC. My husband was one of the pilots in the Blackhawk. We ask that you pray for our family and friends and for all the other families that are suffering today. We ask for peace while we grieve. Please refrain for negative comments on social media as these families children do not need to suffer more pain."

She uploaded the post alongside four photos, one of which seemingly depicts the couple and their two children. In the other photos, he can be seen clad in his army uniform and civilian clothing as well.

Fox News has reported that Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves also paid his respects to the fallen soldier:

"Mississippi is mourning the loss of Brooksville native Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves, who was killed in last night’s accident at Reagan National Airport," Reeves wrote on X. "Elee and I are praying for the victims’ families and first responders who are assisting."

As for the crew chief on the helicopter, he has since been identified as Ryan O'Hara. He was one of three soldiers aboard the Black Hawk at the time of the accident. O'Hara is a father of one and was one of the 67 casualties of that night. The Daily Mail has reported that he leaves behind his wife and son, age 1.

The Parkview High School JROTC in Georgia wrote on Facebook:

"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. Ryan leaves behind a wife and 1-year-old son."

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Army authorities asserted on Wednesday that search and recovery operations are well underway, while the National Transportation Safety Board is executing an investigation into the same.