CNN’s Kaitlan Collins Breaks Down in Tears During Heart-Wrenching Interview

CNN news anchor Kaitlan Collins was visibly emotional during a deeply moving interview with Andy Beyer, a grieving husband and father who lost his wife and daughter in last week’s tragic plane crash in Washington, D.C.

Beyer appeared on "The Source" Monday night to remember his wife, Justyna, and their 12-year-old daughter, Brielle, a promising young figure skater. The American Airlines jet they were on collided with a military helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River, claiming the lives of 67 people.

A Family's Heartbreaking Final Moments

Recounting the devastating moment he learned of the crash, Beyer explained how he and his 6-year-old son had been waiting to pick up Justyna and Brielle at Reagan National Airport.

"We were supposed to pick them up, like we did for these trips all the time," he shared, his voice trembling. "We were texting with them right before they were supposed to land. The tracker said 'landed,' and then suddenly, the texts went from blue to green. Firetrucks started going by, and at that point, I knew something was wrong."

Moments later, he received confirmation that the plane had crashed. He then had to break the tragic news to his young son, who immediately burst into heartbreaking sobs, screaming, "No!"

Remembering Justyna and Brielle

Beyer described his daughter as "the most amazing gift," recalling her strength in overcoming cancer at just four months old. He called his wife his "soulmate" and "the most wonderful mother," emphasizing how they had been "living our dream" as a family.

Through tears, Collins listened as Beyer explained why he felt compelled to share his story.

"They, like all the victims, deserve to be remembered. They deserve to have their story known to the world," he said. "Everyone dies, right? And they live on through our memories. I want people to have a memory of them so that they live on."

Collins Overcome with Emotion

As the interview reached its conclusion, Collins, usually composed on air, struggled to regain her composure, pausing in silence before expressing her gratitude to Beyer for sharing his story.

"Thank you for doing so, Andy. I think everyone would be really touched to hear from you," she said, her voice shaking. "You're clearly both amazing parents, Andy, and I just want you to know that everyone is praying for you and thinking of you in this moment."

The Deadliest U.S. Plane Crash in Two Decades

All 67 victims have been recovered from the icy Potomac River. The passenger plane, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter that was conducting a training exercise. Officials say the helicopter had exceeded its maximum permitted altitude of 200 feet, leading to the collision.

This disaster marks the deadliest commercial plane crash in the U.S. in more than twenty years. Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to determine the precise cause of the tragic accident.