'Heartbroken': Fox News Correspondent Bill Melugin Mourns Friend Lost in DC Plane Tragedy
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Fox News national correspondent Bill Melugin revealed that one of the victims of Wednesday night’s devastating passenger plane crash in Washington, D.C., was a personal friend of his. The tragic accident claimed the lives of 67 people.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the collision, which involved American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport.
The jet was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while three soldiers were aboard the helicopter at the time of the incident.
"It is with great regret that I can confirm a friend of mine, Wendy Shaffer, lost her life in the AA plane crash last night. Wendy was an incredible wife to my friend Nate, and an amazing mom of two children, ages 3 and 1,” Melugin shared in a heartfelt post on X.
“I met them both when they were dating when I was working in Charlotte, NC. Always smiling, such a sweetheart. Heartbroken for Nate. We go from joking in our fantasy football group chat to this horrible news,” he added.
It is with great regret that I can confirm a friend of mine, Wendy Shaffer, lost her life in the AA plane crash last night. Wendy was an incredible wife to my friend Nate, and an amazing mom of two children, ages 3 and 1. I met them both when they were dating when I was working… pic.twitter.com/HE5K5ooBuj
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) January 30, 2025
Melugin also included a statement from Wendy’s husband, Nate, who expressed his grief: “I’m still waiting to wake up from this nightmare, but I fear this is the truth. Wendy was not just beautiful on the outside, but was a truly amazing woman through and through.
“She was the best wife, mother, and friend that anyone could ever hope for. Her love, kindness, and strength touched everyone she met. We will miss you more than words can express, Wendy Jo. I love you endlessly! Rest in peace, my love.”
In support of the Shaffer family, friends have launched a GoFundMe campaign, stating, “We want to ease the financial burden they now face, ensuring that the boys have the resources they need to thrive and that the family can focus on healing and honoring Wendy’s memory.”
Funds collected through the campaign will help cover funeral costs, childcare, education, and other essential needs for the grieving family.
Among the victims of the crash were 14 U.S. figure skaters, former Miss Kansas and Harvard Law School graduate Kiah Duggins, and four members of the flight crew, including first officer Sam Lilley, 28.
Tim Lilley identified his son, 28-year-old Sam Lilley, as the first officer on American Airlines flight. “I was so proud when Sam became a pilot. Now it hurts so bad I can’t even cry myself to sleep.” https://t.co/eBTMtP8YjW pic.twitter.com/De2aZH59yX
— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 31, 2025
Lilley’s father, Tim, shared his sorrow in a Facebook post, revealing that his son had been engaged and was planning to marry this fall. According to Fox News, he wrote:
“I was so proud when Sam became a pilot. Now it hurts so bad I can’t even cry myself to sleep. I know I’ll see him again, but my heart is breaking.”
He added, “It is so devastating to lose someone that is loved so much.”