Connecticut Dad of 3 Killed in D.C. Plane Crash Remembered as ‘Dedicated Father, Husband and Community Member’

One of the victims of the American Airlines crash has been identified as a Connecticut youth soccer coach and father of three.

The man, identified by State Senator Martha Marx as Casey Crafton in a statement on Facebook, was a passenger of the 64-member flight that collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River in the Washington, D.C. area on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

“The airline tragedy in Washington, D.C., last night has deeply impacted our Salem community. Casey Crafton—husband of Rachel and father to their three sons—was among the passengers on the American Airlines flight from Kansas that went down in the Potomac River,” wrote Marx in her statement.

The state representative reiterated that authorities do not believe there are any survivors and added, “My heart goes out to the Crafton-Gadbois family during this unimaginable time. I ask our community to keep them in your prayers as they navigate this profound loss.”

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont also confirmed his death.

“My heart goes out to the Crafton-Gadbois family after the tragic loss of Casey Crafton in yesterday’s plane crash. Salem has lost a dedicated father, husband, and community member. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” Lamont wrote on X.

According to NBC Connecticut, Crafton was an active member of the community, participating in the town’s recreation commission. He was a member of the Salem Little League and was a coach for the Montville Youth Soccer Club.

In a statement on Facebook, the soccer club extended their condolences to his family and remembered him as a “valued volunteer” who “helped to enrich the lives of all those that he came in contact with.”

Salem Little League echoed similar sentiments, sharing in a statement that “our small town is heartbroken by a devastating tragedy involving one of our beloved Little League members.”

“The Crafton family, deeply involved in all things Salem, has suffered an unimaginable loss,” their statement said. “With heavy hearts, we share the news that Casey Crafton tragically passed away in the horrific airline crash in Washington DC. Please keep his family close to your hearts and in your prayers during this difficult time.”

A meal train has been set up for the Crafton family. As of this writing, the campaign has raised over $45,000 of its $200,000 goal.