The Golden Bachelorette couple Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple have released statements after fans were concerned about their whereabouts following the collision of an American Airlines flight, coming from Wichita, Kansas, with an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C. on January 29.
Bachelor Nation fans know that Chapple is a Wichita native, while Vassos lives in Rockville, Maryland, which is outside of the D.C. area. Chapple and Vassos, who got engaged on The Golden Bachelor spinoff, have kept their main residences in Kansas and Maryland. Following the news of the tragic crash, fans became worried about the couple, who frequently fly in and out of Kansas, Maryland, and also New York, where they are looking for an apartment.
“Just wanted to let everyone know that @chockchapple and I are both safe. Thank you to everyone who messaged and checked in on us. We are absolutely heartbroken over the news of the plane crash, our hearts are with the families and friends of the people on the flight,” Vassos wrote on her Instagram Story.
Chapple reposted Vassos’ statement and also added, “My heart goes out to everyone impacted by the tragic plane crash. I’m praying for our city during this difficult time. Joan and I are safe, and we’re sending our love and support.”
The Black Hawk helicopter collided midair with the regional jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members late on January 29. There were three soldiers aboard the helicopter.
Following exhaustive rescue efforts, District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief John Donnelly shared an update on the situation in the early morning hours of January 30. “We don’t believe there are any survivors,” he said, according to CBS News. Efforts have shifted from a rescue operation to a recovery operation.
