Father Of Pilot Killed In DC Crash Shares His Son’s Faith
The father of Sam Lilley, a pilot who tragically lost his life in a midair collision between an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army helicopter near Washington, D.C., has found comfort in his son’s strong Christian faith. Tim Lilley, while mourning his son’s death, expressed his belief that Sam was “right with Jesus,” bringing him peace during this painful time.
In an interview with News Nation, Tim Lilley shared that his son’s faith provides solace, saying, “Sam’s right with Jesus, and I know where he’s going.” He also asked for prayers and time for his family to cope with the overwhelming loss. Sam, who was soon to be married, was remembered by his father as a kind and generous person who was thriving in both his personal life and career.
Sam Lilley had transitioned from a marketing career to aviation, finding his true calling as a pilot. He worked for PSA Airlines, an American Airlines regional carrier based in Charlotte, North Carolina. A graduate of Georgia Southern University, Sam had earned praise from the university as an outstanding alumnus who had excelled in his profession. His father, Tim, expressed immense pride in Sam’s accomplishments, though the pain of losing him was almost unbearable.
The fatal crash, which took place in icy conditions over the Potomac River, has been described as one of the deadliest air accidents in the U.S. in over two decades. While multiple bodies have been recovered, authorities do not expect to find survivors among the 64 passengers on the jet and the three soldiers aboard the helicopter. Tim, a former Army helicopter pilot himself, recalled that he had flown routes in the same area where the accident occurred, making the loss all the more personal and devastating for him.