Family and friends of the victims of the tragic American Airlines and Army helicopter collision are paying their respects online, eagerly awaiting further information about the cause of this devastating incident.
The midair crash, which occurred approximately 9 p.m. on Wednesday, resulted in the collision of an Army helicopter and an American Airlines plane near Reagan National Airport outside Washington, D.C. Tragically, all 67 individuals onboard both aircraft are presumed deceased.
Tim Lilley, a proud father of 28-year-old Sam Lilley, who was identified as the first officer on American Airlines flight 5342, expressed his profound grief in a heartfelt Facebook post.
“I was incredibly proud when Sam achieved his dream of becoming a pilot. However, the pain is unbearable, and I find it difficult to find solace in sleep. While I am certain that I will reunite with Sam in the afterlife, my heart is shattered by the loss of this remarkable individual. Sam was not only a talented pilot but also a loving and dedicated person. He was engaged to be married in the fall, and his life was filled with promise and joy.”
File photo of Ian Epstein who was a flight attendant aboard the PSA American Airlines plane that crashed in Washington DC, Wednesday, January 29, 2025. (Epstein Family)
“It is incredibly heartbreaking to lose someone we love so deeply,” he added.
Scott Hubbard Jr., a friend and former colleague of Sam Lilley, expressed his condolences on Facebook: “I had the privilege of welcoming him to one of his inaugural flying jobs at SkyLens as the outgoing chief pilot, as I had started my career at the airline. He was an exceptional pilot. Although I never had the opportunity to fly with him during my time at the airline due to company changes, I was incredibly proud to know him and consider him a friend. My heart is heavy for his family and fiancé.”
“You left an indelible mark on all of us, and we are grateful for your presence in our lives. Rest in peace, Blue Skies brother. My deepest condolences extend to all the other crew members, passengers, and military service members on the helicopter. This is a profoundly sad day.”
A flight attendant on board the flight has been identified as Ian Epstein.
“With a heavy heart and immense sadness, I, along with our children Hannah Epstein, Joanna Epstein, Ian’s sister Robbie Epstein Bloom, her husband Steven Bloom, and their nieces Andi and Dani, regret to inform you that Ian Epstein was one of the flight attendants on American Airlines Flight 5342 that tragically collided last night during its landing in Washington, D.C.,” Debi Epstein, Ian’s wife, shared in a Facebook post. “Please keep Ian and our family in your thoughts and prayers as we travel to Washington, D.C. We will provide updates as soon as our plans are finalized.”
Fox News Digital learned that Epstein, who had grown up in Montreal, Quebec, had recently embarked on a new journey as a flight attendant a few years ago. He had a deep passion for traveling and his job. 
American Airlines has not yet confirmed the identities of Lilley or Epstein.
D.C. fire and EMS chief John A. Donnelly said during a news conference Thursday that he’s confident all of the bodies from the crash will be recovered.
“I’m confident that we will do that,” he told reporters. “It will take us a little bit of time. It may involve some more equipment.”
Loudoun County Public Schools in Virginia announced that multiple victims of the tragic plane crash over the Potomac River last night were former students in the school system.
The school district expressed its deepest sorrow, stating that the unimaginable loss has deeply affected the community. They also shared that many other Loudoun families have been impacted, and they extend their condolences to all those grieving in the wake of this tragedy.
Doug Zeghibe, the CEO of the Skating Club of Boston, confirmed that six of his organization’s members tragically lost their lives in the collision.
Zeghibe explained that 14 skaters were returning home from a national development camp in Wichita, Kansas, and six of them were members of his club.
World champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov of Russia execute a throw during the pairs short competition at the World Figure Skating competition in Edmonton, Alberta, March 19, 1996. (Dave Buston/The Canadian Press via AP, File)
“Our sport and this club have suffered a horrible loss with this tragedy,” Zeghibe said. “Skating is a tight-knit community where parents and kids come together six or seven days a week to train and work together. Everyone is like family. We are devastated and completely at a loss for words.”
“Six is a horrific number for us, but we’re fortunate and grateful it wasn’t more than six,” Zeghibe said. “This will have long-reaching impacts for our skating community.
Two of the members were coaches who were former world pair champions and two were teenagers. Mothers of the athletes died as well, he added.
The Kremlin said Thusday that Russian figure skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who competed in multiple Olympic Games and medaled in multiple world championships, were among those aboard the American Airlines flight.
This is a developing story.
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