Nearly one year after the mid-air collision over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. that claimed the lives of 67 people, including Cedarville University junior Grace Maxwell, family and friends of the victims honored their loved ones in a two-hour tribute at the DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
Family and friends remember Grace Maxwell as a tender, loving and forgiving young woman whose faith in Jesus and warmth left a lasting mark on everyone she met. Maxwell, 20, was returning to Cedarville University, where she was studying mechanical and biomedical engineering, from her grandfather's funeral.
Those closest to the young college student describe Grace as a “beautiful soul” — a daughter, sister and friend who lived with openness and purpose. In addition to her academic studies, she hosted a morning radio show on Resound Radio at Cedarville where she often spoke candidly about life’s struggles. In one radio segment, shared with the Maxwell family, Grace commented, “It’s OK to have a bad day. “It’s going to get better. I promise.”
Grace had perspective beyond her age.
In remembering Grace, her parents, Dean and Merav, and brother, Leo, say her words now offer comfort on the first anniversary of her death. Grief, they say, remains constant, but so does hope. And, they believe her laughter will echo in their hearts forever.
During the Washington ceremony, several unsung heroes were honored for their work after the crash and the days afterward. One of the heroes, a Cedarville University alumnus, was recognized for recovering Grace from the wreckage—a detail Dean and Merav describe as a small but meaningful connection. In reflecting on the tragedy, the Maxwell's say their faith, church community and the Cedarville University community continue to sustain them, trusting that even through loss, blessings can still emerge.
Honoring the 67 and Unsung Heroes program: This YouTube video is the special program in Washington, D.C. from earlier this week. The program honored the 67 lives lost in the plane crash, their families, and the unsung heroes who cared for the families during this tragic event.. Near the conclusion of the program, via a video, Grace Maxwell offers comments about dealing with difficulties and a prayer, which begins at 1:56:25. Immediately following the video, Senator Ted Cruz provides concluding comments. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=rvE5PYLPqZg
Special KAKE TV Report: https://youtu.be/pI1blJOcPHw
The story and KAKE TV report are shared with permission from the Maxwell family and KAKE TV.
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation's top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal's 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.