Originally published on 1/31/25
Tragedy struck on Wednesday, January 29, when American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, killing all 67 people on board both aircrafts.
As authorities investigate how the aircraft came into contact, families of the victims are now facing unimaginable grief. In response, people across the country have donated more than $400,000 to GoFundMe pages set up for loved ones lost in the crash.
Want to help? Here’s how you can contribute to support the families affected by this devastating accident.
How to help plane crash victims using GoFundMe
As of publication, people are helping the plane crash victims by donating to the various GoFundMe pages that have already been created.
The Crafton family fundraiser
The first family on the site is the Craftons. According to their GoFundMe page, “Casey was flying home on January 29th, 2025, from Wichita, Kansas, with a layover in Washington, D.C. The aircraft he was aboard struck a military helicopter, and it has been presumed that all 64 passengers aboard the airplane and all 3 aboard the helicopter did not survive, which means Casey would be leaving behind his wife as well as their 3 children.”
Casey’s donations are going to help with “preparing the funeral as well as money for life without their husband and father.”
The Wendy Jo Shaffer memorial fund
Secondly, there is a page dedicated to Wendy Jo Shaffer, a mother of two who was tragically killed in the crash.
“Wendy was the heart of her family—a loving partner to her husband and a nurturing, joyful mother to her children. She dedicated her life to creating a warm, loving home filled with laughter and care,” the statement reads. “The road ahead will be challenging for her husband as he navigates life without his soulmate and raises their two young children. We want to ease the financial burden they now face, ensuring that the boys have the resources they need to thrive and that the family can focus on healing and honoring Wendy’s memory.”
Currently, the Shaffer family has raised over $200,000 in honor of Wendy. It is the largest donation amount on the GoFundMe site.
Ashleigh & Jake Stovall family fund
Next, there is Ashleigh and Jake Stovall, whose donation page was created by a close family friend named Calvin Rice.
“Our hearts break for this wonderful, caring, and loving family. A family that has always put others before themselves and a family more than deserving of our love and generosity during this extremely difficult time,” Rice said in a statement. “No amount is too small and all proceeds will be provided to Ashleigh and Jake. These funds will be used to assist with any basic financial needs as we work towards the healing process.”
Justyna and Brielle Beyer’s funeral services
GoFundMe is also helping raise money for Justyna Beyer and her 12-year-old daughter Brielle’s funeral services.
“Brielle was a bright light, carried a charming smile, and was known for her endless commitment to achieving goals. She had dreams as big as the sky, with a passion for figure skating,” friends of the Beyer’s said in a statement. “Justyna, a devoted mother, exhibited unconditional love and support towards her two children and loving husband. She sacrificed so much to provide for Brielle’s future as an Olympic figure skater.”
“Thank you for your kindness and generosity during this sorrowful chapter. Your contributions will help keep the memories of Brielle and Justyna alive, providing comfort to everyone grieving their loss. Together, let’s celebrate the incredible spirits of Brielle and Justyna and support those affected by this tragedy.”
Kiah Duggins’s family raises money for environmental justice, education and empowerment
Kiah Duggins, a civil rights attorney aboard the American Airlines flight, dedicated her life to fighting for justice and equal rights. Now, to honor her, her family has created a GoFundMe to help continue that fight.
“Kiah was more than a scholar and activist—she was a beloved sister-friend, a source of inspiration, and a beacon of grace and integrity. She made you want to be smarter, kinder, and bolder. Her presence challenged everyone around her to step into their most fearless, compassionate selves,” their statement reads.
“As we mourn this immense loss, we also seek to honor Kiah’s legacy in a way that reflects her lifelong dedication to justice and community. This fund will go toward causes and initiatives that were dear to her heart, ensuring that her work and passion live on.”
The Huffman family fund
Alex Huffman was a father of two and a beloved husband. His GoFundMe page was created by Katherine Darnell in an effort to help his family cope with this devastating loss.
“Alex was the love of Kayla’s life, an amazing father to Rowen and Hadley, and a best friend to many. His laugh was contagious, and he was always there if you needed him,” Darnell wrote. “Our hearts are broken for Kayla and the kids, and we would like to take as much as we can off of Kayla’s shoulders. No amount is too small and all proceeds will be provided to Kayla. These funds will be used to assist with any financial needs.”
Lucho and Franco Aparicio’s college fund
Brothers Lucho and Franco Aparicio were killed in the crash, and to help their legacy live on a family friend has created a donation page in their honor.
“Lucho was a wonderful person whose bright smile and infectious laugh made everyone around him happy. His positive energy will be missed,” it reads. “We are starting this GoFundMe for all of us who want to show our love for Lucho and Franco. The donations will go toward a college fund.”
“We all will remember this beautiful soul who made all of our lives better for knowing him.”
Jonathan Campos funeral services
Pilot Jonathan Campos was among those killed in the crash. Now, his mother, Jeannine, is raising money to help pay for the funeral. “Pilot Jonathan Campos was a loving son, boyfriend, and dedicated pilot for American Airlines. Jonathan was Jeannine’s pride and joy; everything she did was for her son,” reads their statement. “Our deepest and sincerest condolences go out to the Campos family with the tragic loss of Pilot Jonathan Campos of AA flight 5342. May his spirit be eternal.”
What more you can do
If you or someone you know believes that one of their loved ones was aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, then you should call the company at 1-800-679-8215—per The Wichita Eagle.
They also recommend reaching out to the National Transportation Safety Board at assistance@ntsb.gov and 202-314-6185.
There are also people stationed at the Wichita, Kansas airport—where the flight took off from—if people want to go and ask questions.
“We have a lot of volunteers that come in to help out in a situation like this that will be here in the terminal if they do want to come to this point,” Jesse Romo, Wichita’s director of airports said. “But we also encourage them to stay home and stay in contact with the airline.”
This is an ongoing story. Check back here for updates.
Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/entertainment/news/how-to-help-plane-crash-victims-gofundme-links-support
Carissa Mosness 