A U.S. Army soldier who grew up in Georgia – and whose parents now reside in Liberty County – was among three crew members of a Blackhawk helicopter that collided in mid-air with an airliner January 29.

Staff Sgt. Ryan O’Hara was the crew chief on the UH-60 helicopter that collided with an American Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet Flight 5342 on approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. at 9 p.m. All three members of the Blackhawk’s crew, including the pilot – whose name has not been released – and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves were killed, as were all 64 people aboard Flight 5342.

The first officer of the American Airlines jet was a Richmond Hill native, Sam Lilley.

Staff Sgt. O’Hara had served as a UH-60 helicopter repairer since July 2014. He deployed to Afghanistan from March-August 2017.

His awards include Army Commendation Medal with C Device, Army Commendation Medal, four Army Achievement Medals, three Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Aviation Badge and Senior Aviation Badge.

Atlanta’s WXIA-TV reported O’Hara also leaves behind a wife and 1-year-old child.

Sam Lilley’s father Tim expressed his sorrow and condolences in a post on Facebook:

“I was so proud when Sam became a pilot,” Tim Lilley wrote. “Now it hurts so bad I can’t even cry myself to sleep. I know I’ll see him again but my heart is breaking.”

Sam Lilley went to Richmond Hill High School and graduated from Georgia Southern University.

Mayor Russ Carpenter, who also currently teaches U.S. Government classes at Richmond Hill High School, expressed his condolences in a statement:

“We are saddened by the news of Richmond Hill native Sam Lilley,” Carpenter wrote. “Many people at RHHS have fond memories of him. We are praying for his family and fiancé.”

The midair collision killed all 67 people aboard both aircrafts, according to the Associated Press, and marks the deadliest U.S. air crash since 2001.

“We send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Ryan O’Hara and Sam Lilley as they navigate this difficult time,” Gov. Brian Kemp said in a X post. “Both of these young Georgians shared a passion for flight and for serving others, and this terrible tragedy is that much more difficult knowing their lives were cut so unexpectedly short. Marty, the girls, and I ask that all Georgians join us in keeping their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.”

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the accident. The “black boxes” from both aircraft have been recovered.

Andrea Gutierrez of the Bryan County News contributed to this report.