Washington Wizards pay moving tribute to plane crash victims before NBA game against LA Lakers

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Capital One Arena fell silent on Thursday night as the Wizards and Lakers paid tribute to the victims of the tragic plane crash in Washington DC.

An American Airlines passenger jet carrying 64 people crashed into a military helicopter while attempting to land at Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night.

Both aircraft plunged into the icy Potomac River, with officials saying that all 67 people on board are presumed dead.

Ahead of the Wizards’ first home game since the tragedy, the two teams held a moment’s silence before tipoff.

During the tribute, a message appeared on the big screens at Capital One Arena.

‘We are deeply saddened by the tragedy near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport last night,’ it read. 

The Wizards and Lakers paid tribute to the victims of the tragic plane crash in Washington DC

LeBron James and Co fell silent following the deadly incident on Wednesday night

 LeBron James and Co fell silent following the deadly incident on Wednesday night

Emergency response units assess the airplane wreckage in the Potomac River

Emergency response units assess the airplane wreckage in the Potomac River

‘We extend our thoughts and prayers to the families, loved ones, and all those impacted.’ 

LeBron James and Co faced the Wizards less than 24 hours after the collision, which took place shortly before 9pm ET on Wednesday.

A Black Hawk helicopter cut through the airspace under cover of darkness, with both aircraft seemingly unaware of the other’s presence.

They slammed into one another just 400ft above ground, erupting in a violent explosion before plunging into the freezing Potomac River below. 

Everyone aboard the jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members from Wichita Airport in Kansas is feared dead.

Doug Zeghibe, the head of the Skating Club of Boston in Norwood, Massachusetts, announced the names of the six people associated with his club who were on board.

They are: Jinna Han, Jin Han, Spencer Lane, Christine Lane, Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova.



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