Washington Wizards held a moment of silence on Thursday for the victims of the deadly crash involving a passenger jet and an army helicopter near Reagan National Airport.
The wizards hosted Los Angeles Lakers in Capital One Arena, and it was the first sporting event in DC since Wednesday evening’s crash.
Emergency vehicles near the site of the crash of the American Airlines Flight 5342 collided by a helicopter while approaching Reagan Washington National Airport outside Washington January 29, 2025. (Reuters/Carlos Barria)
The wizards had a message on their jumbotron before the game began.
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“We are deeply sad of the tragedy near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport last night,” the statement states. “We are expanding our thoughts and prayers to the families, loved ones and all those who are affected.
LIVE UPDATIONS: Military Helicopter clashes by air near Reagan National Airport
Rescuers on boats work as the sun rises on site of a crash after a black Hawk helicopter collided with American Airlines Flight 5342, which approached Reagan Washington National Airport outside Washington January 30, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
“And we thank all the first respondents for their heroic efforts across this massive coordinated effort.”
An American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew, collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter who carried three soldiers. All airline passengers and soldiers were assumed dead.
At least 14 members of the art skating were on board the aircraft. Six people with ties to Skating Club of Boston were among them.
The Washington commanders and Washington Nationals also paid tribute to those who lost their lives and showed their support to the first responders who jumped into action to find any survivors and regain bodies from the Potomac River.
