FCPS students killed in airline crash

“We are devastated by the tragic news as we learn members of our FCPS community have lost their lives in the accident last night at Reagan National Airport,” Superintendent Michelle Reid announced Jan. 30.  

Many on the flight were returning from a figure skating event in Wichita, Kan. “Three of our FCPS students and six of our FCPS parents were lost, affecting multiple schools and departments here at FCPS,” Reid said. “Two of the parents were current or former FCPS staff members. Multiplying the grief are the siblings, spouses, relatives, friends and colleagues who have lost loved ones.”

FCPS is not releasing the names of the victims, as “we must remain sensitive to the privacy needs and concerns for those who are directly involved.”

All 64 people on the American Airlines flight from Wichita to D.C. were killed when the plane collided with a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter and plunged into the Potomac River. There were no survivors.

At least 14 of the victims were ice skaters who had been at a national development camp hosted by U.S. Figure Skating held in conjunction with the 2025 Figure Skating Championships.

A statement by the Fairfax Ice Arena, on Pickett Road in Fairfax, where some of the skaters trained, says, “We are mourning the heartbreaking loss of these individuals who were some of our nation’s brightest rising stars in U.S. Figure Skating.”

Reid posted a link to resources on how to respond to children coping with traumatic events.

“Many are reaching out to share their sorrow and emotions at this difficult time,” Reid says. “We are hearing from students, staff members, and others in the community who are expressing their care and concern for those who have lost loved ones. I invite you to join me in keeping all those affected by this deep community loss in our prayers.” 

Multiple news outlets report Skating Club of Northern Virginia member Brielle Beyer, age 12, and her mother, Justyna Magdalena Beyer, of Aldie, were killed in the crash, according to multiple news reports.

“This heartbreaking accident has shaken the local skating community in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia – as well as in Boston and across the nation,” states the Skating Club of Northern Virginia. “Our hearts go out to families, friends, and loved ones mourning this unimaginable grief.”

“We know that there is much concern and confusion about who was on the flight,” the club says, “and will share the list once it has been confirmed.”

Mason Supervisor Andres Jimenez issued a statement expressing the “deepest sorrow” regarding the tragic crash.

“Fairfax County is committed to providing resources to assist with the ongoing operation,” he said. “We will also ensure that our first responders, who are playing a critical role in these efforts, have all the necessary support and resources during this difficult time.”

The Police Department’s Fairfax One helicopter, Marine Patrol Unit, and Dive Team, along with the Fire and Rescue Department, dispatched 22 units and 68 personnel to the scene.