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(NewsNation) — The father of First Officer Sam Lilley — a pilot himself, who flew military helicopters in the ’90s — is mourning his son’s death following a brutal crash near Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) on Wednesday night.
Sam Lilley was one of the crew members aboard the American Airlines regional jet that collided with a military helicopter while landing at DCA.
In total, 64 people were on the jet, and there were three people on the UH-60 Black Hawk. Officials have recovered 28 bodies from the icy Potomac River.
It’s believed there are no survivors, which would make it the deadliest U.S. air crash in nearly 24 years.
Tim Lilley told NewsNation that “the only thing giving me any comfort at all” is Sam Lilley’s unwavering faith: “Sam’s right with Jesus, and I know where he’s going.”
“We just need time. My family, and time,” he added. “Lots of prayers.”
