Flight attendant Ian Epstein, one of the 67 victims of the D.C. plane crash, received a touching farewell at his home airport
Flight attendant Ian Epstein, one of the 67 victims of the D.C. plane crash, received a touching farewell at his home airport.
A plane carrying the 53-year-old dad’s remains was given a water cannon salute when it landed at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Monday, Feb. 3, Fox affiliate WTTG-TV reported.
A crowd of people gathered on the tarmac when the plane was showered with water in an honor that is a tradition symbolizing respect and recognition for a person’s contributions to aviation.
A celebration of life was held on Wednesday, Feb. 5, according to NBC affiliate WCNC-TV.
Epstein became a flight attendant after years of working as a salesman, his ex-wife previously told PEOPLE.
Debi Epstein said Ian had a “passion” for traveling, which led him to pursue a new career path in February 2020.
“He wanted to do it so badly, and I wanted him to have his dream,” she said. “He absolutely loved being a flight attendant.”
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“He loved interacting with people. He loved traveling,” she added. “He was a character. He was a comedian. He enjoyed putting on a show, and he did. He brought that to being a flight attendant and greeting everybody with a smile and just making them feel comfortable flying.”
In the wake of his death, a number of passengers have come forward to share just how special he made their trips.
Karolyn Szot, who said she was recently on one of Ian’s flights, shared a Facebook post applauding him for being helpful and thoughtful during their interactions.
“We were flying with our son, and when he saw me carrying multiple bags, and Bruce who didn’t want to walk, he asked me if I drink wine,” she said. “He immediately brought me a glass of Sauvignon Blanc to my seat [on him] and told me to keep up the great work of being a mom. He was lovely.”
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Meanwhile, Garrick McFadden, who once worked with Ian at American Airlines, said his former co-worker was “a colorful ball of energy,” according to CBS affiliate WBTV.
“I have never seen him down,” McFadden said. “He really holds the humanity of what it means to be a flight attendant, and to enjoy it.”
