Georgia, S.C. leaders offer condolences after D.C. plane crash

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Georgia and South Carolina leaders are sending their condolences to the loved ones of the people who died in that aircraft collision in Washington, D.C., Wednesday night.

A total of 67 people are presumed dead when a plane collided with a helicopter.

Officials say 60 of them were engers, four of them identified as crew on the plane and then three soldiers on the helicopter.

The first officer of the enger jet and a soldier aboard the helicopter were both from Georgia.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp took to social media to offer condolences to the Georgians’ families.

“We send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Ryan O’Hara and Sam Lilley as they navigate this difficult time,” Kemp wrote in a post on X. “Both of these young Georgians shared a ion for flight and for serving others, and this terrible tragedy is that much more difficult knowing their lives were cut so unexpectedly short. Marty, the girls, and I ask that all Georgians us in keeping their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.”

Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock started a news conference Thursday by giving his condolences to the people and families impacted by this tragedy.

Warnock reiterated he and of Congress are working to understand what happened.

Georgia Rep. Buddy Carter posted to the social media site X:

“I am praying for everyone impacted by the tragedy near Reagan National Airport. Thank you to all of the first responders who bravely stepped up. We must get to the bottom of how this devastating event was able to occur.”

. Warnock said he himself flies often and he knows our skies are safe— and that is why he says the collision is so shocking and deeply concerning.

“So I will be doing everything I can as a member of the United States Senate,” Warnock said. “As a senator who represents an aviation state with aircraft flying in and out of DCA every single day to make sure the public is safe and can be assured we are doing everything to protect the skies.”

Warnock formerly served on a committee overseeing transportation policy.

He says though he does not serve on that committee anymore, he continues to be engaged in improving aviation safety.

In South Carolina

In a statement, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster McMaster said:

“Peggy and I with fellow South Carolinians and those across the country in praying for the victims of the tragic mid-air collision in Washington, D.C. We extend our sympathies to their families, friends, and loved ones, and we are grateful for the first responders who continue their tireless work on the scene.”

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham released a statement on X/Twitter in response to the fatal crash:

“My heart breaks for the victims of the terrible plane and helicopter crash near DCA. Please me in saying a prayer for their families and loved ones.”

Sen. Tim Scott gave a response on X/Twitter after the tragic crash:

“I’m praying for the victims of the tragic plane crash over the Potomac and their families. May God watch over them and keep our first responders safe as they courageously carry out the rescue mission.”

Longtime U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn responded to the crash in a statement:

“My prayers are with the victims, families and loved ones, first responders, and all those impacted by the plane collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. I am grateful to the first responders, search and rescue teams, and community who have worked tirelessly through the night on recovery efforts. The Federal Aviation istration (FAA), National Traffic Safety Board (NTSB), and Department of Defense will investigate the incident. My colleagues and I on the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee are continuing to monitor the accident and will do all we can to prevent another tragedy.”

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