A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded in Washington D.C. on Wednesday evening when a mid-air collision between an American Airlines passenger plane and a Black Hawk military helicopter claimed the lives of 67 people, including Wendy Jo Shaffer, a mother-of-two originally from Minnesota.

Shaffer, a former Mahtomedi High School athlete and graduate, was aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, which was en route from Wichita, Kansas. Tragically, the plane collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter as it made its final approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Shaffer’s untimely death has left her family, friends, and all who knew her in deep sorrow.

Remembering Wendy Jo Shaffer

Wendy Jo Shaffer, under her maiden name Wendy Wigstrom, was known for her vibrant spirit and passion for sports. During her time at Mahtomedi High School, she was an active ice hockey player and participated in other athletic endeavors. After high school, she went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she further developed her academic and personal pursuits.

At the time of her death, Shaffer was living in Minnesota with her husband, Nathan Shaffer, and their two young children, ages 3 and 1. Her professional journey included working at Minnesota-based agricultural and food giant, Cargill, where she had been employed since 2011. Her LinkedIn profile highlights her dedication and commitment to her work in the industry.

Her family has expressed their heartbreak through a public statement: “We are devastated. Words cannot truly express what Wendy Jo meant as a daughter, a sister, a friend, a wife, and most importantly, a mother. The family is requesting privacy at this time.”

A Fundraiser for the Family

In the wake of this immense loss, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to help Wendy Jo’s family with the costs associated with her funeral, as well as future needs related to her children’s education, childcare, and daily care. The fundraiser, which was started on Thursday, has seen an outpouring of support, raising a remarkable $300,000 in just a short time.

The GoFundMe page shares a heartfelt tribute to Wendy Jo, describing her as “the heart of her family.” Her loved ones remembered her as a loving partner to her husband, Nathan, and a joyful, nurturing mother to her two boys. “Her love, kindness, and unwavering spirit touched everyone who knew her, and her absence leaves a void that can never be filled,” the campaign states.

Wendy Jo’s family expressed that she was deeply committed to creating a warm and loving home for her children, and that she was immensely proud of the boys she was raising. Her dream was to witness them grow into the remarkable individuals she knew they would become.

The Lasting Impact

This tragedy has affected not only the family of Wendy Jo Shaffer but also the broader community that loved and admired her. She is remembered for her kindness, passion, and dedication to her family. The support from the community, both near and far, has been overwhelming, with many individuals and organizations offering condolences and contributing to the GoFundMe campaign.

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