Multiple passengers from Florida and Georgia were on board a plane that crashed after colliding with a military helicopter outside Washington, D.C. on Wednesday night, including the crew. Our Orlando station, WFTV, has learned that Captain Jonathan Campos attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach.
Captain Campos was piloting an American Airlines plane to Ronald Reagan National Airport.
The university published the following statement:
“Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is very saddened to learn of the demise of Captain Jonathan Campos (Aeronautical Science, 2015). Our prayers are with his family, as well as all of the families and loved ones affected by this awful catastrophe.
There were 64 persons on the jet and three on the helicopter. Officials believe there are no survivors.
Local legislator and Georgia House Majority Caucus Whip James Burchett (R-Waycross) revealed the identities of two Georgia men who died in the incident, including the first officer aboard American Airlines Flight 5342.

Samuel Lilley, the first officer, graduated from Richmond Hill High School and Georgia Southern University. Lilley’s father, a former Army helicopter pilot, had inspired him to become an aviator as well. He had lately gotten engaged.
WFTV says that he graduated from the ATP Flight School in Daytona Beach in 2020.
Georgian Ryan O’Hara, like Lilley, was slain. He graduated from Parkview High School in Liliburn in 2014 and worked as a crew chief for the Blackhawk helicopter. He leaves behind his wife and one-year-old son.
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