Elizabeth Keys Obituary, Death – Elizabeth Keys, a 33-year-old woman from Ohio, tragically passed away in a midair collision between an American Airlines flight and an Army helicopter near Washington D.C. on Wednesday night, which happened to be her birthday. The family confirmed her death, describing the loss as devastating. They expressed their profound sorrow and described her as a beloved individual who will be dearly missed.
Born and raised in Ohio, Elizabeth—often affectionately called “Bitsy” by her family—was an accomplished academic. She graduated as valedictorian from Madeira High School in 2010, showcasing her academic excellence early on. She continued her education at Tufts University, where she graduated in 2014. During her time at Tufts, Elizabeth was also an active member of the varsity sailing team, where she formed lasting friendships.
In 2020, she graduated with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Georgetown University Law Center, further solidifying her academic and professional credentials. Elizabeth worked as a legal professional at Wilkinson Stekloff in Washington, D.C. at the time of her tragic death.
The Keys family expressed their profound grief, remembering Elizabeth as a warm and generous person who brought joy to those around her. Her parents, Martin and Mary Keys, along with her partner David Seidman and their Yorkie, Tucker, survive her. The family reflected on her love for life, her deep connections with friends and family, and the many happy memories shared with those closest to her. Her wit and humor were treasured by those who knew her, and her presence always brightened any gathering.
Elizabeth was described as a strong, fearless individual who embraced life to the fullest. She loved outdoor adventures, especially skiing, which she described as “flying.” Her trips out West for skiing were filled with the company of friends, and she frequently visited Hawaii, where she enjoyed hiking and relaxing on the beach. Weekends were often spent hosting friends at her home in Washington D.C., especially around a fire pit that she and her partner David loved. Her family emphasized how her life was full of light, laughter, and love, and she was known for being an incredible friend who always offered her best self to others.
The tragic accident that claimed Elizabeth’s life was part of a larger, devastating collision between an American Airlines flight and an Army helicopter. The American Airlines flight, which was en route from Wichita, Kansas, was attempting to land at Reagan National Airport when it collided with the helicopter. There were 67 individuals on board, including 60 passengers and four crew members on the jet and three soldiers aboard the helicopter. The collision, which occurred in one of the busiest airspaces in the U.S., is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to determine the cause of the crash.
The loss of Elizabeth Keys has left her family and friends heartbroken. She is remembered as an exceptional individual who lived life with passion and joy, and her passing marks a profound and painful loss to all who knew her.