The Washington Wizards held a moment of silence on Thursday for the victims of the fatal accident involving a jet of passenger and an army helicopter near the National Airport of Reagan.
The Wizards welcomed the Los Angeles Lakers to the capital One Arena, and it was the first DC sporting event since the crash on Wednesday evening.
Emergency vehicles near the accident site after the American Airlines 5342 flight collided with a helicopter while approaching Reagan Washington National Airport outside Washington on January 29, 2025. (Reuters / Carlos Barria)
The Wizards had a message on their Jumbotron before the start of the game.
CLICK HERE for more sports cover on Foxnews.com
“We are deeply saddened by the tragedy near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport last night,” the statement said. “We extend our thoughts and prayers to these families, your loved ones and all those who have been affected.
Live updates: the military helicopter collided with planes near Reagan National Airport
The rescuers on the boats work while the sun rises on the site of an accident after a black hawk helicopter collided with the flight 5342 of American Airlines, which approached Reagan National Airport Washington outside Washington on January 30, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque / Reuters)
“And we thank all the first stakeholders for their heroic efforts through this massive coordinated effort.”
An American jet of airlines carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with a Black Hawk Army Black helicopter, which was carrying three soldiers. All passengers and soldiers of airlines were presumed to be dead.
At least 14 members of the artistic skating community were on the plane. Six people with links with the Boston skating club were among them.
Washington commanders and Washington nationals also paid tribute to those who lost their lives and showed their support for the first stakeholders who entered into action to find potential survivors and recover the bodies of the Potomac river.
