Fact vs. Fiction: Was Transgender Pilot Jo Ellis on the Black Hawk Helicopter That Crashed in Washington, DC?

Claim:

Conservative social media posts claim that Jo Ellis, a transgender pilot with the Virginia National Guard, was one of the three pilots aboard the U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter that collided with a passenger jet on January 30, 2025, in Washington, DC.

Reasoning:

Jo Ellis released a “proof of life” statement on Facebook, confirming she was not involved in the crash.
The Virginia National Guard officially stated that no Virginia National Guard personnel were on board the Black Hawk that crashed.
The crash is under investigation, and the pilots’ identities have not been publicly disclosed as of now.
Misinformation about Ellis spread across conservative social media, with some attempting to tie the crash to Trump’s executive orders against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the Black Hawk crew consisted of two males and one female, which contradicts claims that Ellis was involved.

Fact or Fiction?

Fiction – Jo Ellis was not on the Black Hawk that crashed. The claim is false and has been debunked by Ellis herself, as well as by the Virginia National Guard.