Family mourns loss of son in Reagan National Airport midair collision, advocating for increased airport safety in his memory
In the tranquil city of Savannah, Georgia, preparations for a wedding were underway. The venue was for the wedding of Sheri's stepson Sam Lilley and his fiancee Lydia Coles, scheduled for October 4, 2025. However, fate had other plans.
On January 29, 2025, a promising day for Sheri Lilley, turned into a day of unimaginable tragedy. That day, a midair collision occurred near Washington D.C., involving a passenger plane and a Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River. The collision resulted in the death of Sam Lilley, a commercial airline pilot for PSA Airlines (American Airlines Flight 5342), and 64 other lives.
The investigation into this catastrophic event is ongoing but nearing conclusion. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been diligently working to uncover the causes of the collision, holding hearings as recently as July 2025.
Tim Lilley, Sam’s father, a former active-duty Army Black Hawk helicopter pilot with extensive experience in aviation and crash investigations, has been actively involved in addressing the causes of the accident. He has been bringing an iPad loaded with helicopter routes and airplane flight paths to meetings with the NTSB, advocating for safety improvements to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The Lilley family has appreciated the Secretary's response to the crash and were glad the tragedy brought heightened attention to aviation safety. They believe October 4 will still be celebrated between Tim, Sheri, and Lydia to memorialize Sam and what would have been the day he and Lydia were married.
In mid-May, Tim and Sheri returned to the site of the crash to lay a wreath in the water. The Washington DC Harbor Patrol took the couple out in a boat to the exact spot where the plane went down. This poignant moment was a testament to their unwavering resolve to remember Sam and seek justice for the victims.
The graveside service for Sam was private, but about 500 people attended his public memorial in person, and it was livestreamed. The couple knew their voices could help keep anyone else from losing their child to a tragedy like this one.
Throughout this ordeal, Tim has been a voice for the victims' families, speaking out when many could not fathom what had happened. The couple met with the Army in July to discuss accountability regarding the crash, feeling betrayed by the Army's refusal to engage with them.
Despite the pain, the couple has let go of holding resentment in their hearts. They believe the crew aboard the Army Black Hawk were at fault for the crash, but they've chosen to focus on the memories of Sam and their fight for safety improvements.
When the plane landed, Sam was honoured with a water canon salute, and dozens of pilots stood in uniform to greet him. One pilot who greeted Sam told Tim that she wouldn't be a pilot if it weren't for Sam, as he was her flight instructor and took her on her first lesson.
The Lilley family's journey through grief and advocacy serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safety in aviation and the enduring power of love and resilience in the face of adversity.
- In the aftermath of the car-accidents that occurred, Tim Lilley, a former active-duty Army Black Hawk helicopter pilot, has been bringing a general-news focus to safety improvements in both the transportation and aviation industries.
- After the tragic plane crash involving their son, the Lilley family has found solace in advocating for crime-and-justice and ensuring accidents like this never happen again.
- Amidst the chaos of the ongoing investigation, finance plays a significant role in compensating the families affected by the devastating plane crash, hindering their ability to navigate through the tragic aftermath.
- Following Sam's passing, indications of his impact on the industry were clear: His former students in the aviation field honored him with water cannons and warm embraces upon his return, recognizing his significant contribution to shaping the general-news of aviation safety.
