Posted on February 2, 2025
The aviation community is in mourning after the tragic mid-air collision on January 29, which claimed the lives of American Airlines pilot Jonathan Campos and co-pilot Sam Lilley. Campos, who had a deep passion for flying, had shared a heartfelt conversation with his family just before the flight, unaware of the tragedy that lay ahead.
Campos’ uncle, John Lane, described him as “such a good kid” and recalled their last conversation. “We spoke for about ten minutes while he was checking in for the flight. He sounded so happy and full of life. It’s still hard to believe he’s gone,” Lane said. Campos had been eagerly anticipating a family cruise aboard the Icon of the Seas, with ten relatives planning to join him in Florida for the trip.
Flying was Campos’ lifelong dream. As a child, he collected toy airplanes and aspired to pilot large aircraft. His dedication led him to earn a degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2015. His aunt, Beverly Lane, shared that Campos had always yearned for the freedom of the skies, describing his passion as a desire to “fly and soar like a bird.”
Campos was not only a skilled pilot but also a certified flight instructor, admired by his colleagues and students. His enthusiasm for aviation was evident to everyone who knew him. The PSA Airlines community, where Campos worked, expressed their grief, stating, “We are heartbroken by this loss. Jonathan was an exceptional pilot and a cherished member of our team. Our thoughts are with his family and all those affected by this tragedy.”
The crash also claimed the life of co-pilot Sam Lilley, a 29-year-old who had been with American Airlines for two years and was on the verge of being promoted to captain. Lilley’s father, a former military helicopter pilot, was devastated by the news, initially refusing to believe his son was involved.
As of now, 40 victims have been recovered from the icy waters of the Potomac River, where the plane tragically fell. The recovery efforts have been challenging due to the harsh conditions. The aviation community and families of the victims are united in grief, remembering the lives lost and the dreams that were cut short.
