Rebecca Lobach Death & Obituary: The tragic midair collision in Washington, D.C., involving a Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines aircraft, claimed the lives of 67 individuals, including Rebecca Lobach, a Durham native and UNC-Chapel Hill graduate.
Details of the Tragic Incident
According to the U.S. Army, Lobach was among three military personnel aboard the Black Hawk helicopter that collided with an American Airlines aircraft mid-flight. The devastating crash resulted in the deaths of 60 passengers, four crew members, and all three individuals onboard the military aircraft. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
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Family and Community in Mourning
At her family’s home in Rougemont, northern Durham County, loved ones and military officials have been seen gathering in the wake of this heartbreaking loss. While her family has refrained from media interviews, they released a statement through the Army, expressing their profound grief:
“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Rebecca. She was a bright star in all our lives. She was kind, generous, brilliant, funny, ambitious, and strong. No one dreamed bigger or worked harder to achieve her goals.”
Who Was Rebecca Lobach?
Rebecca Lobach was a talented and dedicated pilot, highly respected by her peers. Friends who trained with her in the ROTC program at UNC-Chapel Hill remember her as determined, fearless, and always up for a challenge. She graduated as a distinguished military graduate, ranking in the top 20% of all cadets nationwide.
Her close friend, Sam Brown, described her as a patriot and role model, saying:
“She was everything I wanted to be. To have her as one of my best friends—we were so fortunate.”
Rebecca Lobach’s Accomplishments and Service
Rebecca Lobach’s service and dedication to her country were extraordinary. Some of her most notable achievements include:
- Achieving the rank of Captain
- Serving twice as a Platoon Leader and as a Company Executive Officer in the 12th Aviation Battalion at Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir, Virginia
- Serving as a White House Military Social Aide
- Accumulating over 450 hours of flight time
- Earning certification as a pilot-in-command, passing rigorous evaluations from senior military pilots
In their statement, her family shared:
“Rebecca cared about people, and she extended to individuals the same fearless defense she gave to this nation.”
Conclusion: A Life of Service and Sacrifice
The loss of Rebecca Lobach is not just a personal tragedy for her loved ones, but a profound loss to the nation she served with dedication and honor. She will be remembered as a brilliant pilot, a devoted friend, and a true patriot.
As the investigation into the crash continues, we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and fellow service members. Rebecca’s legacy of courage and excellence will forever be honored.