Queen City News spoke with a family member who confirmed that the flight crew of the plane that crashed with a helicopter in Washington, D.C. Wednesday night was based in Charlotte.
Ian Epstein was killed when American Airlines Flight 5342 crashed into a military helicopter Wednesday night in the Potomac River in Washington, D.C.
Ian was married to Debi Epstein for 23 years.
“He died doing what he loved,” Debi Epstein told Queen City News Anchor Robin Kanady on Thursday before she left Cabarrus County for D.C.
Debi says Ian was known for his personality and was considered a “comedian” on flights and that everyone loved him, and he enjoyed keeping passengers calm during flights.
Ian switched careers five years ago to become a flight attendant so that he could travel and see the world.
“It’s unfathomable, you don’t expect to get that phone call, and what’s the chance out of two flight attendants in the world that he’s on that flight?” said Debi Epstein in tears.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and our entire AA community affected by the tragic loss of these four remarkable individuals. Life is unpredictable, and it is essential to cherish every second. This one hits very close to home, Parker Metcalf said via facebook post.
