Flight Attendant Who Died in Midair Collision Near DC Celebrated with Memorial Service

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—A flight attendant who tragically lost his life in a midair collision last week near the nation’s capital was honored on Wednesday for his unwavering dedication to family and his love for travel. Ian Epstein’s family and other loved ones have begun holding memorials for the 67 victims of the deadliest air disaster in the United States since 2001.

The celebration of life for Epstein occurred at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life in Charlotte. The 53-year-old was remembered as a devoted father, stepfather, husband, brother, and uncle, whose career enabled him to connect with others and travel the globe.

Epstein’s daughters and wife shared their memories of a caring father with a zest for adventure. Debra Epstein referred to her husband as her fifth child during their family trips to Disney World. His daughters reminisced about their father supporting them through their fears and attempting to create meals from tuna.

Debra Epstein mentioned that her husband’s recent schedule change placed him on the flight that ultimately crashed, but she firmly believes he was meant to be there.

“We believe he was destined to be on that flight because it was filled with joy and laughter before the tragedy struck,” his wife reflected.

The event attracted people in pilot and flight attendant uniforms, along with the family’s friends.

The tragic collision involving an American Airlines passenger jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport resulted in the loss of all lives on both aircraft.

On Wednesday evening, a few miles from the airport, a public candlelight vigil was held in Alexandria, Virginia, attended by dozens, including elected officials and first responders, honoring all lives lost in the unfortunate incident.

During the Charlotte service, Rabbi Yossi Groner highlighted social media videos that showcased Epstein comforting fussy babies, making passengers laugh, and turning routine flights into memorable experiences.

Groner noted that Epstein emanated warmth and humility, making him a person who truly radiated positivity.

“His genuine joy in life came from uplifting others,” Groner expressed.

Lynne Southmayd trained as a flight attendant with Epstein five years prior. During their training, which was particularly rigorous, Epstein was a beacon of light.

“He had the ability to make us laugh, even during our hardest moments,” Southmayd shared.

Though Southmayd has left the profession, she flew from Delaware to honor her friend, emphasizing how their bond deepened through their shared responsibility, highlighting that the safety of their job relied on each other’s trust.

Before leading Epstein’s memorial, Groner acknowledged the indescribable grief faced by those who lost loved ones in the accident but reassured them of the eternal nature of the soul and that the victims led meaningful lives.

“The message is that their positive legacies are worth carrying on and that we should strive for a better future,” Groner informed The Associated Press.

The memorial services took place a day after federal officials confirmed the recovery of all victims’ remains. The investigation into what caused the crash, which resulted in both aircraft plunging into the Potomac River, is ongoing. All victims have been identified, and their remains are being repatriated to their families.

On Wednesday, salvage crews continued to recover debris from the plane in the Potomac River, which investigators will analyze for insights into the accident’s causes. Noteworthy recovered items included a wing with the landing gear extended, sections of the fuselage, and an engine.

Onboard the American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas, were 60 passengers and four crew members, including figure skaters returning from the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

The Black Hawk helicopter was conducting a training mission. Among those aboard were Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara, 28, from Lilburn, Georgia; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves, 39, from Great Mills, Maryland; and Capt. Rebecca M. Lobach from Durham, North Carolina.

By Jeffrey Collins and Erik Verduzco