One Year Later, Southern Maryland Remembers Victims Of Fatal D.C. Plane Crash

SOUTHERN MARYLAND — One year after a deadly midair collision over the Potomac River claimed 67 lives, communities across Southern Maryland paused Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, to remember local victims of the crash and reflect on a year defined by grief, remembrance and calls for change.

On Jan. 29, 2025, American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines as American Eagle, collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, sending both aircraft into the Potomac River and killing everyone on board.

Among those lost were several Southern Maryland residents whose deaths rippled across the region’s towns, trades and outdoor communities. The victims included Jonathan Boyd of Compton, Jesse Pitcher of Lusby, Mikey Stovall of Port Tobacco, Charlie McDaniel of Port Republic, Robert “Rob” Prewitt of Lusby, Steve Johnson of Waldorf, Tom Clagett of Newburg and Alex Huffman of Leonardtown. Their sudden passing sent shockwaves through families, workplaces and the communities they helped shape.

Also among the victims was Andrew Loyd Eaves of Great Mills, one of the three U.S. Army service members aboard the Black Hawk helicopter. Eaves, a UH-60 pilot and chief warrant officer assigned to the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, was later publicly identified by the U.S. Army following the crash. A former U.S. Navy sailor who transitioned to Army aviation, Eaves had served his country for more than a decade and earned multiple commendations, including the Army Aviator Badge and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

The anniversary followed a remembrance ceremony held Wednesday evening, Jan. 28, 2026, at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., where families of victims, first responders, aviation officials and elected leaders gathered to honor those lost. The event centered on remembrance, gratitude for first responders who acted in dangerous conditions and continued advocacy for aviation safety reforms.

During the ceremony, families reflected on the lives behind the number 67 and the bonds formed in the aftermath of the crash. Speakers highlighted the prolonged recovery efforts, the emotional toll on responders and the work families have undertaken over the past year to push for accountability and systemic safety improvements.

Many of the Southern Maryland victims were skilled tradesmen and union members, including hunters returning home from a waterfowl trip. In the days and months following the crash, vigils, fundraisers, and support efforts spread across Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s counties as families and neighbors rallied around those affected.

As the region remembers the victims of Flight 5342 and the fallen helicopter crew, Southern Maryland continues to honor them not only for how they died, but for who they were and the lives they lived.

You can watch the full remembrance ceremony below via the C-SPAN feed.

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