For ads-free news, click here.
The identities of the 67 souls who perished in the mid-air collision at the Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. Wednesday night are slowly trickling in.
One of the victims has been revealed to be a young mother who leaves behind her husband and two children, ages 1 and 3.
Fox News reporter Bill Melugin first announced late Wednesday night that the wife of his close friend was aboard the fatal flight.
“One of my friends is going through this right now. His wife was on the flight. Sweet girl who I knew from my time working in NC years ago when they were dating. They have two children ages 3 and 1. I feel sick to my stomach for him. Our friend group is with him for support – but conflicting reports of survivors is absolutely excruciating when no info is being provided,” Melugin wrote.
Yes. One of my friends is going through this right now. His wife was on the flight. Sweet girl who I knew from my time working in NC years ago when they were dating. They have two children ages 3 and 1. I feel sick to my stomach for him. Our friend group is with him for support -… https://t.co/mwGIgZyDDR
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) January 30, 2025
Thursday afternoon, Melugin shared photos and confirmed the tragic news. He wrote:
It is with great regret that I can confirm a friend of mine, Wendy Shaffer, lost her life in the AA plane crash last night. Wendy was an incredible wife to my friend Nate, and an amazing mom of two children, ages 3 and 1.
I met them both when they were dating when I was working in Charlotte, NC. Always smiling, such a sweetheart. Heartbroken for Nate. We go from joking in our fantasy football group chat to this horrible news.
RIP Wendy 🙏🏻
In announcing Wendy’s passing, Nate says the following:
“I’m still waiting to wake up from this nightmare, but I fear this is the truth. Wendy was not just beautiful on the outside, but was a truly amazing woman through and through. She was the best wife, mother, and friend that anyone could ever hope for. Her love, kindness, and strength touched everyone she met. We will miss you more than words can express, Wendy Jo. I love you endlessly! Rest in peace, my love.”
Confirmed GoFundMe w/ further information:https://t.co/zaiR4iARCH
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) January 30, 2025
A GoFundMe page established for the Shaffer family describes Wendy as “a radiant soul, a devoted wife to Nathan, and an incredible mother to her two beautiful boys ages 3 and 1. Her love, kindness, and unwavering spirit touched everyone who knew her, and her absence leaves a void that can never be filled.”
Another X user also paid tribute to Shaffer, writing, “I am heartbroken. Wendy was one of my closest friends at Wisconsin. She is one of the best people I have ever met.”
I am heartbroken. Wendy was one of my closest friends at Wisconsin. She is one of the best people I have ever met. https://t.co/ehbi0b5x80 pic.twitter.com/LIy8leiMpj
— Shotta 🇺🇸 (@Shotta) January 30, 2025
Follow us on X (Formerly Twitter.)
The DML News App: www.X.com/DMLNewsApp
The Dennis Michael Lynch Podcast archive is available below, with the most recent on top. Never miss an episode. Subscribe to the show by downloading The DML News App or go to Apple Podcasts.
