Ian Epstein, a beloved flight attendant who tragically lost his life in the recent mid-air collision near Washington, D.C is being remembered for his dedication, warmth and humor. He was 53.
Ian was among the 64 individuals aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 when it collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday, January 29.
His ex-wife, Debi Epstein spoke to the Charlotte Observer and said “He was always the jokester and just doing the announcements with the twist. Everybody loved him — he was a great flight attendant.”
Ian Epstein’s ex-wife, Debi, shared that their two children are deeply mourning the loss of their father.
“Our daughter is getting married in eight weeks,” she said. “It’s just a lot.”
She said Ian was an outgoing person and “he died doing what he absolutely loved.”
An American Airlines co-worker Garrick McFadden remembered Ian in an interview with WBTV. He said, “Ian literally is just a colorful ball of energy; I have never seen him down,” McFadden said. “He really holds the humanity of what it means to be a flight attendant, and to enjoy it.”
“There is only one Ian Epstein,” McFadden concluded.
A former passenger wrote a Facebook tribute to Ian after he made a memorable impression with his kindness.
“Rob and I recently had the privilege of flying with Ian Epstein who was killed on Flight 5342. We were flying with our son, and when he saw me carrying multiple bags, and Bruce who didn’t want to walk, he asked me if I drink wine. He immediately brought me a glass of Sauvignon Blanc to my seat (on him) and told me to keep up the great work of being a mom. He was lovely. Ian then lightened up the whole flight by doing a comedic routine at the beginning of the flight that immediately made the whole plane lighter and more lively. At the end of the flight he brought Bruce his first pair of flight wings and said “way to go mom!” Ian ended up passing us again later in the airport, and I remember stopping him one more time to let him know how much I appreciated him. When I saw his face in the news today, I instantly knew who he was. Who remembers their flight attendant? Sometimes you just know a good person when you meet them. Such a tragedy. I hope Ian inspired more people to love what they do and exude kindness to strangers that they come across. A great loss. Rest In Peace, Ian.”
The other crew members aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 have been identified as flight attendant Danasia Elder and pilots Sam Lilley and Jonathan Campos per PEOPLE.
