A U.S. Army captain, Rebecca M. Lobach, tragically died in a midair collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet near Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. The crash killed 67 people, including Lobach and two other soldiers in the helicopter, as well as the 60 passengers and 4 crew members on the jet.
Lobach, from Durham, North Carolina, was a dedicated Army aviation officer, serving since July 2019. She had over 450 flight hours and was known for her outstanding skills and hard work. She earned both an Army Commendation Medal and an Achievement Medal, and she graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina. Lobach was also part of the university’s ROTC program, where she trained with future colleagues, including Davis Winkie, a White House correspondent for USA Today. Winkie described her as brilliant, fearless, and a talented pilot.
Lobach had many accomplishments in her career, including escorting fashion designer Ralph Lauren at the White House when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her family remembered her as a bright, kind, and hardworking person who always strived to be the best. She had planned to become a doctor after leaving the Army and was also a certified victim advocate for sexual harassment and assault.
Friends and fellow soldiers praised her leadership and mentorship. Lexi Freas, an aviation officer in the National Guard, credited Lobach with inspiring her to pursue a similar career. Sabrina Bell, another friend, said Lobach was meticulous in everything she did, never rushing into things without careful thought.
The crash investigation has drawn some public attention, with President Donald Trump suggesting the helicopter flew at too high an altitude. However, no evidence has linked this claim to the actual cause of the crash.
Lobach’s family requested privacy during their time of grief, remembering her as a dedicated patriot and a bright star in their lives. Her story continues to inspire those who knew her, both in and out of the military.