Additional Coverage:
- Friends say Army captain killed in midair collision was a ‘brilliant and fearless’ patriot (newsbreak.com)
Washington, D.C. – The Army identified Capt. Rebecca M.
Lobach as one of three soldiers killed in Wednesday’s tragic midair collision near Reagan National Airport. The crash, involving an American Airlines jet and a Black Hawk helicopter, claimed 67 lives, including all passengers and crew on the plane.
Friends and fellow soldiers remember Capt. Lobach, a Durham, North Carolina native, as “brilliant and fearless.”
She was known for her meticulous nature and unwavering dedication. A distinguished military graduate of the University of North Carolina, she served as an Army aviation officer since 2019, accumulating over 450 flight hours.
She earned several commendations and recently escorted fashion designer Ralph Lauren at a White House event honoring him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Capt. Lobach’s family described her as a patriot who loved her country.
They also shared her aspirations to become a physician after her military service. She served as a certified sexual harassment/assault response and prevention victim advocate.
Her family expressed their devastation and requested privacy.
Fellow ROTC cadet and friend Davis Winkie recalled her talent as a pilot and her dedication to physical training. They trained together at Fort Knox and remained close friends.
He shared a lighthearted anecdote about squeezing into a small helicopter cockpit with Capt. Lobach, highlighting her playful spirit.
The other soldiers killed in the crash were identified as Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves.
The Army delayed releasing Capt. Lobach’s name at her family’s request.
Friends remembered her kindness, intelligence, and commitment to excellence.
Following the crash, President Donald Trump’s comments about the helicopter’s altitude and diversity initiatives sparked controversy and online speculation. There is currently no evidence to suggest diversity rules played a role in the collision.