A grieving father mourns the loss of his 28-year-old son, Sam Lilley, a young pilot who tragically died in a plane crash. Sam, engaged to be married, shared his father Timothy Lilley’s deep passion for aviation.

Sam was one of two pilots aboard an American Airlines flight that collided with a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport on January 29. Timothy, a former military helicopter pilot, initially dismissed the idea that his son was involved but grew increasingly anxious when Sam failed to check in. His worst fears were confirmed.

Sam had been a pilot with PSA Airlines for two years, having discovered his passion for flying after earning a marketing degree from Georgia Southern University. He worked tirelessly to achieve his dream. Beyond his career, he was planning a future with his fiancée, looking forward to their upcoming wedding.

As Timothy mourns, he takes comfort in Sam’s accomplishments but struggles with the pain of losing him. “I was so proud when Sam became a pilot. Now it hurts so bad I can’t even cry myself to sleep. I know I’ll see him again, but my heart is breaking,” he shared.