Multiple sources, including family and friends, have confirmed that Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Eaves was one of the pilots aboard the Black Hawk helicopter. He is survived by his wife and children.
Earlier, Fox News obtained exclusive information regarding the crew members aboard the Army helicopter at the time of the accident. The instructor pilot commanding the Black Hawk boasted 1,000 flying hours.
Meanwhile, his co-pilot was a woman with 500 flying hours, which is considered to be a standard level of experience in aviation circles.
Now, the Local newspaper, The Macon Beacon, first reported the incident on its Facebook page, detailing the community’s loss.
“Noxubee County is mourning the death of native son Andrew Eaves. His wife has confirmed reports that he was among the military Blackhawk pilots who died in last nights crash with airliner in Washington, D.C. Andrew was a Central Academy graduate who grew up in the Brooksville area,” the post read.
Eaves’ wife, Carrie Eaves, confirmed his death in a heartfelt post on Facebook.
“I am sure by now all of you have heard the news of the tragedy that has occurred in DC,” Eaves wrote.
“My husband was one of the pilots in the Blackhawk. We ask that you pray for our family and friends and for all the other families that are suffering today. We ask for peace while we grieve. Please refrain for negative comments on social media as these families children do not need to suffer more pain.”
Tributes have flooded social media as friends and former colleagues shared their memories and condolences.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves expressed his condolences, stating, “Mississippi is mourning the loss of Brooksville native Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves, who was killed in last night’s accident at Reagan National Airport. Elee and I are praying for the victims’ families and first responders who are assisting.
