Featured Image Credit: NBC10 Philadelphia/GoFundMe
Topics: American Airlines, US News, Travel, Parenting, GoFundMe
Poppy Bilderbeck
Topics: American Airlines, US News, Travel, Parenting, GoFundMe
A man has spoken out about the moment everyone became 'sincerely worried' about the American Airlines flight which crashed killing his wife and son.
The American Airlines passenger plane - flight 5342 - and a US army helicopter - a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk - collided mid-air over the Potomac River, close to Ronald Reagan National airport in Washington DC at around 9.00pm ET on Wednesday (January 29).
All 64 of those on the passenger plane alongside three members of crew on the helicopter are believed to have lost their lives in the incident and two of those on board the passenger plane were mom and son Yulia Kay and Ilya Kay.
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In an interview with CBS News, Vitali Kay said his partner Yulia - who he'd been with for over 20 years - and the pair's son, 11-year-old Ilya - whose American name is Sean Kay - passed away in the incident.
Kay rung his wife and when 'she didn't pick up,' thought 'maybe [her phone] was on airplane mode' still and 'she forgot to switch it off'.
However, when he matched the plane number to the one that was involved in the crash, he rushed to the airport from his home in Bear, Delaware.
When the dad arrived at the airport he says he was allowed through the blocked off road by a police official to find someone from the airport and figure out what was going on.
He said: "Everyone was sincerely worried. They deeply were feeling for you, they were understanding of what people might feel who has love ones on the plane."
Kay says his wife and son were in Kansas for an ice dancing camp - Sean's coach Sasha Kirsanov also killed in the crash.
The University of Delaware confirmed the former University of Delaware Figure Skating Club coach's passing in a post to its site.
It added: "More details will become known as the investigation continues. For now, please know that the University has support resources for those who may need them, and that information is provided at the bottom of this email.
"Our hearts go out to the families and friends of all of the victims of this horrific tragedy."
A GoFundMe has since been set up to help support Vitali and Yulia's other children - a 14-year-old daughter and two other sons aged seven and 10.
American Airlines has also issued a statement offering its support to those affected.
It reads: "There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft. Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.
"If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly."
f you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].