On January 29, 2025, a heartbreaking tragedy struck when American Airlines Flight 5342 collided mid-air with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. The family of four on board, Donna, Peter, Everly, and Alydia Livingston, tragically lost their lives in the crash. The images they shared just moments before takeoff have now been made public, leaving family and friends devastated.
Final photos of a family
Donna Livingston, before the flight, shared photos with close friend Jin Ah Longerbeam. The snapshots show the Livingston family smiling just before boarding. In one, Everly, 14, and Alydia, 11, can be seen beaming from their seats. Another shows Donna and Peter, smiling together in the cabin.
“These were the last pictures I got from her,” Longerbeam said, sharing her grief. She recalled how Donna had sent the images before the flight, not knowing it would be their last.
Skating sisters on a dream trip
The family was returning home to Virginia after Everly and Alydia had attended a skating camp for young Olympic hopefuls in Wichita, Kansas. Their love for ice skating was well known, and their bright futures were just beginning to shine. Friends and teammates of the sisters, including Wolfe Jin, described them as two of the brightest stars at their rink. “The community looked up to them,” he said, heartbroken.
Devastated friends and family
Friends of the Livingston family were left in shock after the crash. Wolfe Jin, Everly and Alydia’s skating teammate, recalled how he and his mother rushed to Reagan National Airport after hearing about the crash. “We thought maybe they had survived,” Wolfe said. “We even brought coats for the girls, thinking they might be cold.”
Tears filled Longerbeam’s eyes as she described the girls as “my little babies.” She had known the sisters since they were very young, and the pain of their loss is still fresh.
Peter Livingston was a man devoted to his family. His close friend, Ted Boyke, told PEOPLE, “Peter put his family first, always. His daughters were everything to him.” Boyke remembered Peter building an ice rink in the family’s backyard, an effort to help Everly and Alydia pursue their passion for skating. “Every winter, he’d set up a rink. It would freeze in the Virginia cold, and the girls would practice,” Boyke explained. “Even during COVID, they kept practicing there when the rinks were closed.”
Peter was known for his creativity and determination, often coming up with bold plans and making them a reality. The rink was just one example of his dedication to his daughters.
The tragic crash
The collision, which occurred over D.C., took the lives of 67 people—60 passengers and 7 crew members, along with 3 soldiers aboard the Black Hawk. The plane, carrying passengers and flight attendants, crashed after colliding with the helicopter, which was reportedly unable to avoid the aircraft. As of January 31, the remains of 41 victims had been recovered, with 28 of them positively identified.
Aviation experts have speculated that the crash may have been caused by pilot error, with the Army helicopter pilot possibly not seeing the plane in time to avoid the collision. One anonymous Army pilot stated, “I guarantee it was basically pilot error.”
The Livingston family’s loss has left a deep impact on their community. From friends to teammates, everyone who knew them is grieving the loss of the vibrant sisters and their loving parents. The tragic crash serves as a painful reminder of how quickly life can change. The Livingston family’s story is one of love, passion, and determination, and their memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew them.
The community has united in sorrow, remembering the girls’ bright spirits and the strength of their family. As investigations continue, one thing remains certain: this loss will be felt for years to come.
