Jonathan Campos, a pilot from New York City, was carrying his late NYPD father’s police badge with him during the tragic plane crash in DC. His father, Feliberto Campos Jr., passed away when Jonathan was only 9 years old, and Jonathan had his father’s badge number tattooed on his right shoulder. He would fly with the badge after becoming a pilot.
Campos had the badge with him when the plane he was piloting crashed with a military helicopter, resulting in his death and the deaths of 66 others. His former fiancee, Nicole Suissa, shared that Jonathan’s mother was able to recover the badge from the wreckage.
Campos will be buried next to his father, with his flight wings as a tribute to his love of flying. Suissa fondly remembered Jonathan’s determination to become a pilot and how he fulfilled his dream despite the challenges he faced.
Many mourners gathered at Campos’ wake to pay their respects, including pilots and flight attendants. His family described him as someone who loved flying and serving others through his work in aviation. The wake was a somber event, with friends and family remembering Campos’ life and contributions.
Campos overcame adversity in his life, including the loss of his father at a young age, to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot. He attended school in New York City before moving to Florida to attend flight school and fulfill his ambition.
After graduating with a Bachelors in Aeronautical Science in 2015, Campos went on to work as a flight instructor at Epic Flight Academy.
In 2018, Campos achieved the rank of captain at PSA Airlines. Recently, he and the entire flight crew were posthumously honored with the “highest distinction” award by the airline to recognize their dedicated service.
Tragically, Campos, First Officer Samuel Lilley, flight attendants Danasia Elder, and Ian Epstein were among the 67 individuals who lost their lives in a plane collision with a military chopper near the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
To pay tribute to Campos, a water cannon salute was held at the airport on Friday night.
The funeral for Campos is scheduled to take place on Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. at Brooklyn’s Shrine Church of St. Bernadette. He will be laid to rest at St. John Cemetery in Middle Village, the same final resting place as his father.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist Campos’ mother in covering the funeral expenses. The fundraiser has already raised over $47,000 as of Monday afternoon.
