As the nation continues to process the tragic mid-air collision of American Airlines Flight 5342 and a military helicopter, more heartbreaking details are emerging regarding the victims who lost their lives.
Despite being just moments from landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C., American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with an Army helicopter on Wednesday evening, sending both aircraft plummeting into the Potomac River.
On board the plane was 60 passengers and four crew members. Meanwhile, three soldiers were onboard the helicopter.
On Thursday, Washington, D.C., Fire Chief John Donnelly tragically revealed that all 67 people involved in the collision were presumed dead.
As of this writing, the bodies of 55 victims have been recovered and positively identified, per ABC News.
The plane’s passengers included 28 people connected to the sport of figure skating, as per a statement shared on Sunday evening from US Figure Skating.
Now, a devastated father has shared the moment he realized something was terribly wrong after losing both his wife and son in the collision.
Yulia Kay and her 11-year-old son, Ilya Kay (who was also known by his American name, Sean Kay) were both onboard American Airlines Flight 5342.
A Father’s Worst Nightmare
In an interview with CBS News, Yulia’s husband, Vitali Kay, recounted the terrifying moment when he suspected his family was on the doomed flight.
Kay called his wife after the plane was due to land, but when she didn’t pick up, he initially assumed she had forgotten to switch off airplane mode.
“The plane was supposed to land at 9, and I called my wife and she didn’t pick up,” Vitali said. “I thought maybe it was on airplane mode and she forgot to switch it off.”
However, after confirming the flight number matched the one involved in the crash, he immediately rushed from his home in Bear, Delaware, to the airport.
Upon arriving, police allowed him past a blocked-off road so he could find someone at the airport for answers.
“Everyone was sincerely worried. They deeply were feeling for you, they were understanding of what people might feel who has loved ones on the plane,” he recalled.
A Tragic Loss for the Ice Dancing Community
Kay revealed that his wife and son had traveled to Kansas for an ice dancing camp, where Sean was training.
Among the victims was Sean’s coach, Sasha Kirsanov, a respected figure skating coach.
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The University of Delaware, where Kirsanov coached for the University of Delaware Figure Skating Club, confirmed his passing in a heartfelt statement.
“More details will become known as the investigation continues. For now, please know that the University has support resources for those who may need them,” the statement read. “Our hearts go out to the families and friends of all of the victims of this horrific tragedy.”
Support for the Kay Family
A GoFundMe page has since been launched to help support Vitali Kay and the couple’s surviving children — a 14-year-old daughter and two younger sons, aged seven and ten.
All three of his other children also skate, and the revealed he told them to continue to do so in memory of their mom.
“I had to deliver the news to them, right, and that was the phrase I used, ‘Hey, Yulia would want you to do this, to skate,'” he told CBS News.
“Ilya was one of the top ice dancers in the country for his age and dreamed of making it to the Olympic team. Yulia was an incredible mother who lived for her children. She spent her days taking them to training, helping them fight for their dreams, and worked nights as a nurse to pay for ice time, costumes, travel, and coaches. She gave everything she had for their future,” the page description reads.
More than $96,000 has been raised for the family, as of this writing.
Meanwhile, American Airlines issued a statement expressing condolences and offering resources for affected families.
“There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft. Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts,” the airline said.
Family members searching for loved ones aboard Flight 5342 have been urged to call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional resources.
Col. Francis Pera of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, has revealed that said large pieces of the wreckage of both aircraft are expected to be removed from the river on Monday and placed on flatbed trailers, before being taken to a nearby hanger for investigation.
As investigations continue, the nation mourns the lives lost in yet another devastating aviation tragedy. Our thoughts go out to every person impacted by this tragedy.
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