WHAT:
Families who lost loved ones aboard American Eagle Flight 5342, along with their attorneys, will hold a press conference to announce a lawsuit against American Airlines, PSA Airlines, and the U.S. government following the fatal January 29, 2025, mid-air collision of Flight 5342 that claimed 67 lives.
WHO:
Speakers
- Flight 5342 Family Members
- Rachel Crafton, wife of Casey Crafton
- Dailey Crafton, brother of Casey Crafton
- Doug Lane, husband of Christine Conrad Lane and father of Spencer Seojin Lane
- Attorneys
- Bob Clifford, Clifford Law Offices
- Tracy Brammeier, Clifford Law Offices
- Brian Alexander, Kreindler & Kreindler
Attendees
- Flight 5342 Family Members
- Bill Parente, father of Anthony Parente
- Renee Parente, mother of Anthony Parente
- Christina Stovall, mother of Mikey Stovall
- Bob Stovall, brother of Mikey Stovall
- Jill Clagett, wife of Tommy Clagett
- Emily Gadbois, sister-in-law of Casey Crafton
- Jin Zhou, brother of Yu Zhou
- Sally Zhou, niece of Yu Zhou
- Bridget Johnson, wife of Steve Johnson
- Sarah Boyd, wife of Jon Boyd
- Mike Dent, father-in-law of Jon Boyd
- Anita Dent, mother-in-law of Jon Boyd
WHEN:
Wednesday, September 24th
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET
WHERE:
National Press Club
529 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20045
Room: The Fourth Estate
A recording of the press conference can be requested.
WHY:
The press conference will focus on statements from both the families and their attorneys regarding the lawsuit. Families of the victims will be speaking of their experiences since the accidents and why they sought this lawsuit. Following the conference, both parties will be available for a brief Q&A to address additional questions, and there will also be a photo opportunity with all Families of Flight 5342 in attendance.
Please RSVP and send any questions you would like to ask the families and attorneys in advance to Casey Elliott at casey@rebuttalpr.com, as you will need a code to gain entry to the National Press Club.
STATEMENT
Below is a statement from Rachel Crafton, who lost her husband, Casey Crafton on American Airlines Flight 5342, regarding the lawsuit filed against American Airlines, PSA Airlines, and the U.S. Government:
“Nearly eight months ago, our loved one, Casey Crafton, and 66 other people were killed when a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided with American Eagle Flight 5342. Our lives were shattered in a moment, and the grief has been unimaginable. The future we dreamed about was taken away from us. Casey was a devoted father and husband, and we built a beautiful life together. He was a loving brother, a supportive son, a committed employee, a selfless friend, and he made everyone around him feel valued and respected. The world was a better place because he was in it. Because of this avoidable tragedy, my young sons and I have to go through life without the love, support, guidance and laughter Casey gave to us on a daily basis. I’m left to raise our sons alone, and these days, weeks, and months have been unbearable as grief weighs heavily over every moment that should be a celebration with Casey. His entire career was in the aviation industry, first as an aviation mechanic and then as a Technical Service Manager, and he was very dedicated to bettering himself and the systems he worked within. His honesty, attention to detail, and standard of safety was second to none. Yet, because of systematic failures and reckless disregard for safety, his life, along with 66 others, was taken. Casey was betrayed by this system he trusted – we all were. As his wife, I cannot stand by and allow his life to be lost in vain. Today, we are taking legal action because the accountability of American Airlines, PSA Airlines, and the Army and FAA is the only way to ensure this never happens again and no other family has to live with the pain we have to endure each day without Casey.”
MEDIA
- Complaint filed by Rachel Crafton
- Photo of Victims’ Families
- Robert A. Clifford at Press Conference:
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Media Contacts:
Casey Elliott
casey@rebuttalpr.com
(312) 860-5353
Pamela Sakowicz Menaker
Clifford Law Offices
Communications Partner
120 N. LaSalle Street, 36th Floor
Chicago, IL 60602
Cell 847-721-0909
Law Firm representing Plaintiff Rachel Crafton