Rachel Ferres reflects on the tragic loss of her cousin Peter Livingston, his wife Donna, and their daughters Everly and Alidia, among the 67 victims of a mid-air collision that occurred on January 29, 2025. This incident marked the deadliest air crash in the U.S. in over two decades. Ferres recalls the harrowing moment he learned of their deaths, emphasizing the bright futures Alidia and Everly had, including aspirations to compete in the Olympics.
A year after the tragedy, family and friends gathered in Washington to honor the victims, including Chris Collins, another passenger who loved the outdoors. This grief has sparked calls for action regarding air safety, with family members expressing frustration over ignored warnings related to air traffic dangers, insufficient training for military and air traffic control personnel, and the underuse of FAA data on near-misses.
Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), stated that the crash was entirely preventable and highlighted the lack of accountability. The families are advocating for legislation requiring advanced location systems on all aircraft, which has received unanimous support in the Senate. The FAA maintains that safety is its utmost priority and has begun to implement several recommendations aimed at improving air travel safety. A memorial has been created for the victims of the crash.
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