Danasia Elder, a devoted American Airlines flight attendant, was among the 67 victims of a catastrophic midair collision involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Elder, 34, leaves behind her husband and two young children, as loved ones mourn the devastating loss.
Remembering Danasia Elder
Elder, originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, was widely known for her warm spirit, dedication to aviation, and deep love for her family.
Her brother-in-law, Brandon Payne, reflected on her bright personality and entrepreneurial spirit, stating that working as a flight attendant was one of her lifelong dreams.
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) honored Elder and fellow flight attendant Ian Epstein, who also perished in the crash.
AFA members shared heartfelt tributes, with one flight attendant writing, “Flight attendants don’t stop flying, they just fly a little higher.”
A GoFundMe page set up by Elder’s brother, Dajour Brown, describes her as a loving wife and mother whose loss has left the family heartbroken. The fundraiser aims to support her husband and two children, ages 13 and 4.
Tragic Flight Marked by Loss
Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ-701, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, when it collided with the military helicopter on Jan. 29, 2025. The crash is now considered the deadliest aviation disaster in the United States since 2001.
Investigators are working to determine the cause of the collision, which resulted in zero survivors. Among the victims were fourteen competitive figure skaters, multiple parents and students from Fairfax Public Schools in Virginia, and three U.S. Army soldiers.
Sam Lilley, the First Officer aboard Flight 5342, was also killed in the crash. His father, Timothy Lilley, shared an emotional tribute, revealing that Sam, 28, was engaged to be married in the fall of 2025.
A Community in Mourning
Elder’s former classmates from flight attendant training recalled her radiant smile and passion for aviation. A friend, Rebecca Cavaliere, expressed her heartbreak, stating, “Flying will never be the same for me again.”
Elder had reportedly planned to transition into a new career within American Airlines, and the January 29 flight was set to be her last in her current role.
As federal investigators continue their probe into the crash, the Charlotte and aviation communities mourn the loss of a dedicated flight attendant, loving mother, and cherished friend.
