Heartbroken Father Recalls the Moment He Knew Something Was Wrong as Wife and Son Died in American Airlines Crash

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As the nation continues to grapple with the tragic mid-air collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a military helicopter, more heartbreaking details about the victims are emerging.

Just moments before its scheduled landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C., Flight 5342 collided with a U.S. Army helicopter on Wednesday evening, sending both aircraft plummeting into the Potomac River. On board the plane were 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter carried three soldiers.

On Thursday, Washington, D.C., Fire Chief John Donnelly confirmed the devastating news that all 67 individuals involved in the collision were presumed dead. As of this writing, 55 bodies have been recovered and identified, according to ABC News. Among the passengers were 28 people connected to the figure skating community, as revealed in a statement by U.S. Figure Skating on Sunday evening.

One of the grieving family members, Vitali Kay, has now shared the harrowing moment he realised something was terribly wrong after losing both his wife and son in the disaster His wife, Yulia Kay, and their 11-year-old son, Ilya Kay—also known by his American name, Sean Kay—were among those on board Flight 5342.

In an interview with CBS News, Vitali recounted the terrifying moment he suspected his family was on the doomed flight. He called his wife after the plane was supposed to have landed, but when she didn’t answer, he initially assumed she had simply forgotten to switch off airplane mode.

“The plane was supposed to land at 9, and I called my wife, but she didn’t pick up,” he recalled. “I thought maybe it was on airplane mode and she forgot to switch it off.” However, after confirming that her flight number matched the one involved in the crash, he immediately rushed from his home in Bear, Delaware, to the airport in search of answers. Upon arriving, police allowed him to pass a blocked-off road so he could speak with officials. “Everyone was sincerely worried. They deeply felt for you and understood what people might be going through,” he said. Vitali explained that Yulia and Sean had traveled to Kansas for an ice dancing camp, where Sean was training. Tragically, among the victims was Sean’s coach, Sasha Kirsanov, a well-respected figure skating coach.

The University of Delaware, where Kirsanov coached for the University of Delaware Figure Skating Club, confirmed his passing in a heartfelt statement. “More details will become known as the investigation continues. For now, please know that the University has support resources for those who may need them,” the statement read. “Our hearts go out to the families and friends of all of the victims of this horrific tragedy.” A GoFundMe page has been launched to support Vitali and his surviving children—a 14-year-old daughter and two younger sons, aged seven and ten.

All three of his children are also skaters, and he has encouraged them to continue in honour of their mother and brother. “I had to deliver the news to them, and I told them, ‘Yulia would want you to continue skating,'” he said. “Ilya was one of the top ice dancers in the country for his age and dreamed of making it to the Olympic team. Yulia was an incredible mother who lived for her children. She spent her days taking them to training, helping them fight for their dreams, and worked nights as a nurse to pay for ice time, costumes, travel, and coaches. She gave everything she had for their future,” the fundraiser page describes.

As of now, more than $96,000 has been raised to support the family. Meanwhile, American Airlines issued a statement expressing condolences and offering resources for affected families. “There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft. Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts,” the airline stated.

Family members searching for loved ones aboard Flight 5342 have been urged to call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional resources.

Col. Francis Pera of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, has stated that large pieces of wreckage from both aircraft are expected to be removed from the river on Monday and transported to a nearby hangar for investigation.

As the investigation continues, the nation mourns the lives lost in yet another devastating aviation tragedy. Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this heartbreaking event.