Transgender Black Hawk Pilot Denies Involvement in Deadly Mid-Air Collision

A recent mid-air collision between an American Airlines flight and a military helicopter near Washington, D.C. has resulted in the tragic loss of 67 lives. In the aftermath, misinformation began circulating online, falsely suggesting that Jo Ellis, a transgender Black Hawk pilot with the Virginia Army National Guard, was involved in the incident.

Ellis took to social media to deny these claims, stating that she was not one of the pilots in the crash and emphasizing that the rumors were “insulting to the victims and families of those lost.” She also urged people to report any accounts or posts spreading these false claims.

In a video statement, Ellis clarified, “This is Jo Ellis. I am a Black Hawk pilot with the Virginia Army National Guard. I understand some people have associated me with the crash in D.C., and that is false.” She further noted that no Virginia National Guard personnel were involved in the Black Hawk collision, as confirmed by the Department of Defense’s handling of casualty notifications.

The confusion around Ellis’s involvement seems to have been fueled by her previous anti-Trump statements on social media. Some have linked these statements to President Donald Trump’s comments on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs potentially lowering hiring standards in federal roles like air traffic control. However, no direct connection between these policies and the crash has been established.

This situation highlights the rapid spread of misinformation on social media platforms and the challenges individuals face in correcting false narratives about themselves. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information through reputable sources before sharing or believing it.

Posts on X have reinforced Ellis’s denial of involvement, urging for accuracy in reporting and discussion about the tragedy. As the investigation into the mid-air collision continues, it is essential to prioritize factual information and respect the victims and their families by avoiding the spread of misinformation.

In conclusion, Jo Ellis’s denial of involvement in the deadly mid-air collision serves as a reminder of the dangers of misinformation and the importance of verifying information through reputable sources.