The pilots of the downed Flight AA5342 have been identified in the wake of Wednesday night’s tragedy.
The American Airlines passenger flight crashed into the Potomac River after colliding with a United States Army helicopter while getting ready to land at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport around 9:00 p.m.
The pilots manning the flight have been identified as 34-year-old Jonathan Campos and 28-year-old Sam Lilley.
The pilots of Flight 5342 have been identified as Captain Jonathan Campos, 34, and First Officer Sam Lilley, 28 pic.twitter.com/qmO5lJ5Xhp
— BNO News Live (@BNODesk) January 30, 2025
“Just awful tragedy they were so young,” another wrote.
Flight AA5342 First Officer Was About To Be Married
Lilley’s death was especially troubling as his dad, who is also a pilot, said the First Officer was engaged to be married.
“So sad and tragic. His poor fiancee and family 🙏🏻,” a comment read.
“So sad 😢💔Praying for his fiancé, family and friends. May their hearts be comforted by his memory as they mourn. What a tragedy for them, he had so much life ahead of him,” a user lamented.
Lilley and Campos were two of the four Flight AA5342 crew members who perished in the crash. The families of flight attendants Ian Epstein and Danasia Elder have also confirmed their deaths.
Our hearts go out to all the families affected by this tragedy.
