Randy Travis shared a heartfelt statement on Thursday afternoon (January 30) after “an incredibly hard 24 hours.”
The legendary country artist began by acknowledging the collision between an American Airlines passenger plane and a black hawk helicopter on Wednesday night (January 29) over Ronald Reagan International Airport in Washington, D.C. None of the 67 people aboard survived the crash, officials confirmed Thursday.
Travis mourned the “many souls…lost in the horrific plane crash in Washington, D.C.,” and grieved for “a dear member of our country music and Warner Music family, publishing giant Ben Vaughn.” Vaughn died on Thursday morning. He was 49. Others in the Nashville music community — including Dan + Shay’s Dan Smyers, RaeLynn, Ashley Cooke, Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and many more — also expressed their heartbreak over the loss.
“My prayers are with all of the people affected by these losses, including members of our team,” Travis said. He added that he would still move forward with the release of his next song, “Horses In Heaven,” on Friday (January 31), following last year’s groundbreaking single with the help of AI (Artificial Intelligence), “Where That Came From.” “Tomorrow’s song release, ‘Horses In Heaven’ feels like a timely reminder of God’s love and mercy and I hope it brings some comfort to those of us hurting through these tragedies.
“We have decided to continue with this release and promotion of it, but felt remiss to not share what’s on my heart right now... God Bless Ben, the victims of last night’s crash and all who are feeling the heaviness of this moment.”