RALEIGH, N.C. — U.S. Army Capt. Rebecca Lobach died when an American Airlines commercial plane and a Black Hawk helicopter collided near Washington D.C. on January 29.

What You Need To Know

  • 60 passengers and four Charlotte-based crew members were on American Eagle flight 5342

  • Rebecca Lobach was an aviation officer in the Army from July 2019 to January 2025

  • Lobach’s awards include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon

Eva Ruff recalled the memories with her childhood friend, Lobach, a Durham native.

“Here's one of us in a chorus together. You can see that's her right there. That's me,” Ruff said.

Photo after photo Ruff shared the two friends' childhood past-times.

“We did some singing together. We went to 'The Nutcracker' a lot of times together. That's her and me right there in the front,” Ruff said.

Lobach is remembered as a loving daughter and an amazing friend.

Rebecca Lobach (13) was a dedicated athlete who always gave her best. (Courtesy Eva Ruff)
Rebecca Lobach (13) was a dedicated athlete who always gave her best. (Courtesy Eva Ruff)

Lobach, the pilot of the Black Hawk helicopter, was identified as one of the victims in the crash.

“I was in shock,” Ruff said.

Ruff heard about the tragedy while watching the news.

At that moment, she said memories of her friend started to fill her head immediately.

She remembered playing dress up and having tea parties together and going to high school and making the basketball team.

Ruff said Lobach was always dedicated, determined and disciplined in anything she did.

“She would go and she would practice with the guys team because she appreciated the challenge of it. She was able to hold her own with that,” Ruff said.

Ruff remembers her as a sweet person.

“She was a friend that would never, never turn away anybody. She was goofy, she was funny, she was charismatic, she was inclusive,” Ruff said.

Ruff said she will always remember the positive energy she demonstrated, and said she is lucky to have had her as a friend.

“Getting to know that I was a part of her life. It's really an honor. Honestly,” Ruff said.

The last time the two women spoke was around their high school graduation back in 2014, but Ruff said she wishes she would have stayed connected more.

Many took to social media to remember Lobach.

She served as an aviation officer in the Army from July 2019 to January 2025.

Lobach’s awards include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon.