A father is mourning his 28-year-old son, Sam Lilley, who died in a plane crash near Reagan National Airport. Sam, a First Officer for PSA Airlines, shared a deep love of flying with his father, Timothy, a former military pilot. “This is undoubtedly the worst day of my life,” Timothy said after realizing his son was among the victims.

Sam had trained as a pilot since 2019 and had been with PSA Airlines for two years. He was engaged and looking forward to his wedding. “I was so proud when Sam became a pilot. Now it hurts so bad I can’t even cry myself to sleep,” Timothy shared.

Friends described Sam as a joyful and kind person. “The man had a smile every day,” said fellow pilot Skeeter Little. The aviation community mourns his loss, with colleagues offering tributes.

The PSA jet collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter, crashing into the Potomac River. Timothy, familiar with military flight operations, believes the helicopter made a tragic error. “I think the PSA jet was doing everything right.”

President Trump acknowledged the tragedy, pledging support for victims’ families. Investigations continue, with black boxes recovered and over 40 bodies found.