Flight crew involved in midair collision featured a second-generation aviator and a lively flight attendant

RICHMOND HILL, Ga. — A distressing text message received in the early hours of Thursday, stating that “Sam was on the flight,” would soon reveal a heartbreaking tragedy. An American Airlines plane had collided with an Army helicopter over Washington, leading to the tragic loss of all 67 individuals aboard both aircraft. Among the victims was Sam Lilley, who served as the co-pilot of the commercial plane that ultimately crashed into the Potomac River.

At just 28 years old, Lilley had aspirations of marrying this fall and had recently achieved his commercial pilot certification, a feat requiring 1,500 hours of flight experience, only two years prior. Shane Therault, a long-time friend of Lilley’s, expressed his sorrow, saying, “His life was just getting started really. Everything was coming together. He wanted to have a family. His path was finally set.” Authorities confirmed that this incident marks the deadliest accident in U.S. aviation in nearly 25 years, with more than 40 bodies recovered from the frigid waters as recovery efforts proceed.

Lilley had recently earned his flight instructor certification. Therault remarked on Lilley’s remarkable work ethic, noting, “He was very close to being promoted to captain, which was kind of his dream. He was only 28. If he set his mind to something, he achieved it.”

Among those lost in the tragic incident were other members of the flight crews. Jonathan Campos, the 34-year-old captain of the American Airlines flight, had a lifelong desire to become a pilot, a passion that ignited in him at the young age of three. His aunt shared with media outlets that Campos was excited about an upcoming family vacation in the Caribbean just before the ill-fated flight. Campos was an alumnus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, graduating in 2015.

Danasia Elder worked as a flight attendant on the commercial flight, remembered fondly by her brother-in-law, Brandon Payne. He described her as vibrant and full of life, reflecting her devout faith, dedication to her children, and love for travel. “She was a great wife, a great parent, a great friend,” Payne stated, adding that Elder courageously pursued the job of a flight attendant, a dream she had long held.

Ian Epstein, also a flight attendant, was deeply cherished by his family, especially his sister, Robbie Bloom. She emphasized his passion for traveling and meeting new people through his job, while also expressing that his true love was always his family. Bloom shared that the outpouring of support and love from past passengers was a source of comfort for their grieving family, although they wished for privacy during this difficult time.

From the Army helicopter, Ryan O’Hara was one of the soldiers aboard. A fellow instructor pilot spoke highly of O’Hara, calling him disciplined with an unwavering commitment to his duties. He remembered O’Hara, noting, “Ryan was one of those crew chiefs who always had our back.”

Additionally, Andrew Eaves, another soldier on the helicopter, was confirmed deceased by Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves, who offered his condolences on social media. Eaves’ wife publicly expressed her grief and requested that people pray for their family and refrain from negative comments online, stating that their children shouldn’t endure more pain during this already painful time.