A tragic accident in Washington D.C. took the life of Wendy Jo Shaffer, a mother-of-two originally from Minnesota. She was one of the 67 victims who lost their lives in a mid-air crash between an American Airlines passenger plane and a Black Hawk military helicopter. The crash happened on Wednesday evening, as both aircraft were on their final approach to the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Details of the Incident
Wendy was aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, which was traveling from Wichita, Kansas, when it collided with the Black Hawk helicopter. The collision occurred just as the flight was preparing to land. The tragic incident has deeply affected the families of those involved, and the community is mourning the loss.
Wendy Jo Shaffer’s Life and Legacy
Wendy Jo Shaffer, who was known as Wendy Wigstrom when she was younger, was originally from Mahtomedi, Minnesota. She graduated from Mahtomedi High School, where she was a talented athlete and played ice hockey and other sports. Later, she attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she continued to build the foundation for her successful career.
At the time of her death, Wendy was living in Washington, D.C. with her husband, Nathan Shaffer, and their two young children. Her LinkedIn profile shows that she had been working with Cargill, a major agriculture and food company based in Minnesota, since 2011.
Family’s Heartbreaking Statement
Wendy’s family shared a statement expressing their deep grief over her passing. “We are devastated. Words cannot truly express what Wendy Jo meant as a daughter, sister, friend, wife, and most importantly, a mother,” the statement read. The family has asked for privacy during this extremely difficult time.
GoFundMe Campaign for Wendy’s Family
In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to support Wendy’s family. Since its launch on Thursday, the campaign has raised over $300,000. The money will help with funeral expenses, as well as future childcare, education, and day-to-day needs for Wendy’s children.
The GoFundMe page honors Wendy’s memory, calling her “the heart of her family.” The page states that she was a loving partner to her husband and a nurturing, joyful mother to her two sons, who were ages 3 and 1 at the time of her death. Wendy’s family and friends have shared how much she was loved, with her kindness and energy leaving a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.
The Community Mourns
This tragedy has shaken not only the families of the victims but also the wider community. Wendy’s loss is felt deeply by all who knew her, and the memory of her love, care, and devotion to her family will continue to inspire those who remain behind. The GoFundMe fundraiser will help ensure that her children have the support they need as they grow up without their mother.
(Source : newsbreak.com)
