ATLANTA — Sam Lilley had a lifelong dream of flying, which he pursued immediately after completing his studies in college. He began his path to becoming a pilot, following in the footsteps of his father.
“It’s rare to meet someone who discovers their passion so early in life, but Sam found his in aviation,” recalled Kaitlin Sells, who first met Lilley during their time at Georgia Southern University.
Tragically, Lilley was serving as the first officer on an American Airlines flight when the plane, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, collided midair with an Army helicopter that had three soldiers on board, as reported by state legislators in Georgia. It was confirmed by authorities that there were no survivors after both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River, marking one of the most catastrophic aviation incidents in the U.S. since 2001. Recovery efforts have so far led to the retrieval of 28 bodies from the frigid waters.
The American Airlines crew was on a routine direct flight from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, the soldiers were partaking in a scheduled night training exercise, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who noted that the crew had considerable experience.
Focusing on the victims, initial details have emerged about the individuals from both flight crews. Sam Lilley’s father, Timothy Lilley, spoke with WAGA-TV in Atlanta, expressing his anguish while waiting for updates from Washington.
“This is undeniably the most devastating day of my life,” Timothy Lilley said, reflecting on his own extensive career as a pilot and his 20 years of service as a U.S. Army helicopter pilot, often flying routes near the Pentagon.
“I was overwhelmed with pride when Sam became a pilot. Now, the pain is so profound that I can’t even bring myself to cry myself to sleep. Though I take comfort in knowing I will see him again, my heart is shattered,” he shared on Facebook.
Timothy also shared that his son was thriving in both his professional and personal life, having been engaged to be married later this year. Sam graduated with a marketing degree in 2018 and previously attended Richmond Hill High School near Savannah, Georgia. He had been actively involved with the Coastal Community Christian Church.
A report from 2011 highlighted his dedication towards fundraising for a water well project in a Zambian village. Sells described her college friend as the perfect fit for a pilot role, saying, “There was no one who cared more or was as passionate as he was.” She emphasized Lilley’s commitment to his responsibilities and his ability to connect with others.
Outside of his professional life, Lilley was known for his joyous spirit and was often the first to hit the dance floor at gatherings. “I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed him in a bad mood; he was all about positivity, always striving to lift others up if they were feeling down,” Sells remarked.
Meanwhile, 34-year-old Jonathan Campos, who was the captain of the American Airlines flight, had expressed a yearning to become a pilot since he was just three years old, his aunt, Beverly Lane, recounted. The day before the tragedy, Campos excitedly mentioned his plans for an upcoming family cruise to her.
Campos had graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2015, specializing in Aeronautical Science.
Danasia Elder served as a flight attendant on the commercial flight, and her brother-in-law, Brandon Payne, shared her vivacious personality. He emphasized her deep love for family, her faith, and the adventures she cherished as a traveler. “Danasia was a wonderful wife and mother and had dreams of being a flight attendant,” Payne stated proudly, encouraging others to pursue their aspirations fearlessly.
Among the three soldiers aboard the Black Hawk helicopter was Ryan O’Hara. His colleague Josh Muehlendorf, a senior instructor pilot, described him as extremely disciplined and committed. They had shared duties on various flights together, and Muehlendorf noted O’Hara’s unwavering adherence to rules and procedures.
In addition to O’Hara was Andrew Eaves, who Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves mentioned in a tribute on social media. Originally from Brooksville, Mississippi, Eaves’ wife, Carrie, confirmed his presence on the helicopter and posted a heartfelt message asking for understanding and peace for grieving families.
“Please pray for our family and others who are suffering during this difficult time. We need tranquility as we grieve,” she wrote, urging against negative comments online that could inflict further pain on the families involved.
