Ian Epstein, one of the flight attendants aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 that crashed into a Black Hawk military helicopter, received an emotional water cannon salute on Monday night, as his plane departed Washington, D.C., to bring him back to his home in Charlotte, North Carolina. Watch the video below:
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Epstein, who grew up in Montreal and recently became a flight attendant, was full of life and was one of those flight attendants you hope you get on your flight. Here’s some video of him in action, delighting passengers.
He was the father of four and Debi Epstein, Ian’s wife, confirmed in a Facebook post that Ian was on that flight: “It is with a very heavy heart and extreme sadness that myself along with our children Hannah Epstein and Joanna Epstein and his sister Robbie Epstein Bloom and her husband Steven Bloom and nieces Andi and Dani inform you that Ian Epstein was one of the flight attendants on American Airlines Flight 5342 that collided last night when they were landing in DC.”
Sara Nelson, the president of the Association of Flight Attendants, captured the video and used this caption: Fly with us forever, Ian.
The comments posted on social media are almost as emotional as the video itself. Here’s a selection:
Kristen Wright: I’ve never met Ian, but I’ve been hearing wonderful things about him and seeing all the funny videos the passengers have been sharing on social media. He really made people smile and laugh with his kind heart, quick wit and big smile. I would have liked to have known him too. Praying for all of his family, friends and coworkers. Fly high, Ian. You’ve earned your Wings. 🙏❤️🌹
Nancy Ortiz: Ian it was an honor flying with you. You were an angel on earth and a bigger angel in heaven. Fly high Ian the skies is yours 💔💙✈️🕊️ Rest in Paradise
@dj_tonytonze: What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul. Ian Epstein will never be forgotten. R.I.P Ian Epstein.
@Lizziethevacationeer: As an empath, this whole thing has really been punching me in the gut, the face, the throat. Every single video hits me SO hard. 😭
Christy Michelle: He was the flight attendant on a lot of my flights last year I would always say to him oh Thank God it’s u again he was very pleasant kind funny he was one of a kind he will be missed ❤️💙 🙏 RIP
Daniel: This one hit me hard, I was married to a flight attendant for American Airlines for almost 18 years. We don’t speak anymore, but I still pray for her safety every day and that of her colleagues. RIP.
@paulaloublake: On behalf of all us flight attendants, our souls felt this deep. Fly high beautiful souls 💕
@Annaleegarretto: I didn’t know this was a thing until now and I’m sobbing
I did know this was a thing and I’ve been on the plane for multiple water cannon salutes. Almost all were for a happy occasion, like an airline starting service to a particular destination, a new type of aircraft’s first flight or a pilot’s last flight.
However, the water cannon salute I will never forget was aboard a flight upon which was a fallen soldier. This was by far the most emotional flight I’ve ever been on and I think about it, the soldier and his sacrifice often. Below is the video and here’s the whole story I wrote about the experience.
My heart aches for Ian and the 50+ other families who were affected by this tragic event. I know it has also shaken many travelers, making some afraid to fly. Here’s some advice and here’s my very personal story about how I myself overcame my own fear of flying.
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