Rebecca M. Lobach identified in Black Hawk helicopter crash with American Airlines flight

The U.S. Army has confirmed the identity of the female soldier who was aboard the Black Hawk helicopter that tragically collided with an American Airlines flight this week, resulting in the deaths of 67 people.  

Capt. Rebecca M. Lobach, from Durham, North Carolina, was a member of the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and had been serving since July 2019, according to an official Army statement.

Initially, the Army had refrained from releasing Lobach’s name out of respect for her family’s wishes.  

The decision to disclose her name was made “at the request of and in coordination with the family,” the Army clarified in their statement.  

“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Rebecca. She was a bright star in all our lives,” her family shared in a statement provided by the Army.  

“Rebecca was a warrior and would not hesitate to defend her country in battle … Rebecca was many things. She was a daughter, sister, partner, and friend. She was a servant, a caregiver, an advocate. Most of all she loved and was loved. Her life was short, but she made a difference in the lives of all who knew her.”  

Lobach was a highly decorated soldier, earning awards such as the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.  

Her family mentioned that she graduated in the top 20% of ROTC cadets across the country.  

Lobach also served as a White House social aide during the Biden administration.  

Just last month, she played a role in escorting Ralph Lauren through the White House when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, according to CBS.  

Davis Winkie, a USA Today reporter and Army veteran, praised Lobach for being a crucial support system during his most challenging times while they were both part of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Army ROTC.  

“I wish we’d taken a photo together when we had lunch a year ago. I wish I’d remembered to invite her to a party I hosted a week ago. I wish she weren’t dead. You are so missed, Rebecca. This world won’t be the same without you,” Winkie wrote on X.