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Remains of flight attendant Danasia Elder, killed in DC crash, escorted to Charlotte

A fundraiser is underway for the family of Danasia Elder, one of four crew members from American Eagle flight 5342. She was a flight attendant on the plane that collided with a military chopper, killing 67 people Wednesday in Washington, D.C.
A fundraiser is underway for the family of Danasia Elder, one of four crew members from American Eagle flight 5342. She was a flight attendant on the plane that collided with a military chopper, killing 67 people Wednesday in Washington, D.C. GoFundMe

The remains of American Airlines flight attendant Danasia Elder, killed in the collision of American Eagle Flight 5342 with a military helicopter over Washington, D.C., were taken home to Charlotte on Saturday.

Mecklenburg County sheriff’s officers escorted Elder’s remains from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to A.E. Grier & Sons Funeral Home on Statesville Avenue, sheriff’s spokesman Bradley Smith said. Funeral arrangements haven’t been announced.

Elder’s death “has left a deep void in the hearts of her family, friends and colleagues, who remember her for her kindness, professionalism and unwavering dedication to her work,” according to a sheriff’s office statement.

The 34-year-old wife and mother was among four Charlotte-based American Eagle Flight 5342 crew members who died after the plane from Wichita, Kansas, collided with the helicopter. A total of 67 people were killed in the crash.

Joe Marusak
The Charlotte Observer
Joe Marusak has been a reporter for The Charlotte Observer since 1989 covering the people, municipalities and major news events of the region, and was a news bureau editor for the paper. He currently reports on breaking news. Support my work with a digital subscription
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