Pete Hegseth Releases Tragic News After Black Hawk Is Discovered Upside Down in the Potomac

New details continue to emerge about Wednesday night’s devastating collision between a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Early Thursday morning, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth took to the social media platform X, sharing a statement from Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and U.S. Army Military District of Washington Media Chief Heather Chairez, confirming that the Black Hawk was engaged in a training flight.

“We can confirm that the aircraft involved in tonight’s incident was an Army UH-60 helicopter from Bravo Company, 12 Aviation Battalion, out of Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir during a training flight.

“We are working with local officials and will provide additional information once it becomes available.”

Hegseth, sharing a screenshot of the statement, wrote, “Latest below. Absolutely tragic. Search and rescue efforts still ongoing. Prayers for all impacted souls, and their families. Investigation launched immediately by Army & DoD.”

This revelation adds another heartbreaking dimension to an already tragic event.

These were servicemembers preparing for whatever mission their country might call upon them to fulfill.

In the immediate aftermath, all flights at Reagan Airport were grounded as emergency crews carried out search and rescue operations.

ABC News provided further insight into the passengers aboard the American Airlines flight.

U.S. Figure Skating released a statement confirming that American skaters and coaches were among those on board, returning from a training camp held at the national championships.

“U.S. Figure Skating can confirm that several members of our skating community were sadly aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, which collided with a helicopter yesterday evening in Washington, D.C.,” the statement read.

“These athletes, coaches, and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.”

Additionally, two Russian figure skaters were reportedly among the passengers.

Russian state media identified them as Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov.

Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the loss, stating, “There were other of our fellow citizens there. Bad news from Washington today.”

By Thursday morning, search and rescue efforts had transitioned into recovery operations, with ABC News reporting that no survivors were expected.

In addition to Hegseth’s updates regarding the Black Hawk, President Donald Trump and members of his administration were briefed on the situation.

“May God Bless their souls,” the president said in response to the news.

With no reported survivors, the outlook remains grim. As the nation grapples with this loss, the president and countless others turn to faith and prayer for solace in this difficult moment.