Tributes Pour In for Capt. Jonathan Campos, Killed in Deadly Midair Collision
The 34-year-old Puerto Rican Pilot Remembered for His Passion for Flying and Dedication to Training Others
Friends, family, and colleagues are mourning the loss of Capt. Jonathan J. Campos, the 34-year-old pilot who tragically lost his life in a midair collision between an American Eagle jet and an Army helicopter over the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday. All 67 people aboard both aircrafts were killed.
Campos, a skilled pilot and valued flight instructor, is being remembered for his sense of humor, his love of flying, and his unwavering commitment to the aviation community. His uncle, Hector Campos, described him as “a great kid” in a brief interview with NBC News. The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time.
Campos' stepmother, Sonia Carrasquillo, also spoke publicly through Telemundo Puerto Rico, sharing her family's wish for privacy while they mourn. Hector Campos confirmed that the family was traveling to Washington, D.C., on Friday to cope with the loss.
A reporter with WKMG in Orlando, Florida, Catherine Silver, shared that she spoke briefly with Campos' girlfriend, who described him as "the love of her life" for the past decade. She expressed disbelief at his passing and promised to speak more about him in the future.
Born in the U.S. mainland and raised in Puerto Rico until he was 10 years old, Campos was of Puerto Rican descent. He later moved to Florida, where he earned a degree in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, graduating in 2015. The university expressed its condolences in a statement, remembering him as a dedicated and passionate individual.
Mike Marana, a former classmate, shared a cherished memory of Campos on Facebook, reminiscing about a humorous moment involving Campos at Cracker Barrel. “He called the waitress and said, ‘Ma'am, I think there's something wrong with THIS,’” Marana recalled, reflecting on how Campos brought joy and laughter to those around him.
After becoming a pilot, Campos went on to train future aviators. Epic Flight Academy, where Campos had earned his Certified Flight Instructor rating, honored him in a heartfelt Facebook post, calling him “a skilled and dedicated pilot with an undeniable passion for flying.”
A neighbor from Campos' community in Ormond Beach, Florida, described him as a friendly and helpful person, recalling how he would assist with car repairs and enjoyed spending time with his neighbors. “It’s just sad,” the neighbor said. “As soon as they identified the aircraft on the news, I thought of Joni.”
Campos was also an accomplished diver, having completed his Master Divers certification at Spruce Creek Scuba in 2013. The scuba center expressed its grief, remembering him as a great diver, friend, and pilot.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the cause of the crash. A source familiar with the investigation revealed that an air traffic controller was handling both planes and helicopters at the time of the collision, an unusual occurrence. On Thursday, investigators recovered the black boxes from the American Eagle jet, which will be vital to understanding the cause of the tragedy.
In a gesture of respect, American Airlines announced that Flight AA5342, the jet involved in the crash, will be retired and will not be used for any future flights.
As the investigation continues, those who knew Capt. Jonathan Campos remember him not only for his impressive career but also for the personal connections he made with everyone he met. His legacy as a passionate pilot and dedicated instructor will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.