Before his death, Ian Epstein, one of the flight attendants who perished in the collision between an American Airlines aircraft and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, was scheduled to attend his daughter’s wedding.
RELATED STORIES: American Airlines Flight Collides With Black Hawk Helicopter in Washington, DC
According to PEOPLE, Ian Epstein’s ex-wife, Debi Epstein, said Ian was a “natural entertainer” known as a jokester and a devoted father of two. His death is painful for the family, as their daughter is set to get married in eight weeks. Before his career as a flight attendant, Ian also worked as a salesman at Camping World, and his former colleagues said he had a talent for making others “feel at ease.” His American Airlines colleagues also shared tributes with videos and pictures on social media. Passengers who experienced Ian’s hospitality also expressed their condolences.
The fatal crash also claimed the lives of Ian’s fellow crew members, pilots Sam Lilley and Jonathan Campos, and flight attendant Danasia Elder. The outlet also stated that three U.S. Army soldiers, four union members, fourteen figure skaters, and parents and students from Virginia’s Fairfax Public Schools were among the other crash victims.
This is the skating team that was onboard American Airlines flight 5342 that perished overnight. May their, memory, accomplishments and youthful spirits be a blessing to all who loved them.
Our prayers and deepest condolences go out to their families and friends. pic.twitter.com/XCnDNUglQG
— Ariaa ® (@AriaaJaeger) January 30, 2025
RELATED STORIES: Husband Reacts To Wife Plane Crash: Heartbreaking Final Text Revealed
Ian’s family previously released a statement regarding his tragic passing with WSOC9:
“Ian Epstein was full of life. He loved being a flight attendant because he truly enjoyed traveling and meeting new people. But his true love was his family. He was a father, a stepfather, a husband and a brother! He will be truly missed. The family appreciates the outpouring of love and support we’ve received, but at this time we would ask for privacy as we process and grieve our loss.”
As previously reported, an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided mid-air near Reagan National Airport before plunging into the Potomac River. The Federal Aviation Administration reported that American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was on its final approach to the runway when it struck a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday night.
