The U.S. Army has confirmed the identity of the third soldier involved in a tragic mid-air collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and a passenger plane. The soldier is Captain Rebecca Lobach, a 28-year-old from Durham, North Carolina. She was serving with the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and had been part of the military since July 2019.
Initially, her name was withheld at the family’s request. The Army released her name following coordination with the family, acknowledging their wishes during this difficult time. Her family expressed their heartbreak in a statement, saying, “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Rebecca. She was a bright star in all our lives. Rebecca was a warrior and would not hesitate to defend her country in battle.”
Lobach was not just a soldier; she also held the position of a social aide at the White House during the Biden administration. A friend, 1st Lt. Samantha Brown, mentioned that recently, Lobach assisted fashion designer Ralph Lauren during his visit to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Captain Lobach earned her degree in biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2019, where she was recognized as a distinguished military graduate. Her commitment to service began with her enlistment in the North Carolina Army National Guard while still in college.
Friends and fellow soldiers have shared their fond memories, highlighting her dedication and skills. Capt. Bilal Kordab, who brought Lobach into the National Guard, noted that she was highly qualified and worked hard for everything she accomplished. Lt. Brown reflected on the tragedy of losing someone so young and vibrant, sharing that Lobach was passionate about reading and weightlifting.
The incident causing her loss occurred on January 29, when American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with the Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River as the flight was nearing Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Along with Captain Lobach, two other soldiers—Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves and Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara—were also aboard the helicopter.
In recent comments, some have suggested that the accident’s causes may involve broader issues related to government policies. A friend of Lobach emphasized the importance of remembering her contribution and impact on others rather than focusing on race or gender.
The tragic incident, described as one of the deadliest aircraft accidents in recent times, has resulted in the loss of all those on board both the helicopter and the passenger plane. As communities mourn her loss, Captain Rebecca Lobach’s legacy as a dedicated soldier and compassionate friend will not be forgotten.
