Samuel Lilley was a commercial pilot who had a bright future ahead of him in the aviation industry. Born in 1996 in Richmond Hill, Georgia, he pursued his passion for flying and worked as a First Officer for American Airlines. Tragically, his promising career was cut short when he died in a mid-air collision over the Potomac River on January 29, 2025.
In this article, we will explore Samuel Lilley’s age, family, education, career, net worth, tragic death, personal life, and lesser-known facts.
Samuel Lilley Short Details
| Full Name | Samuel Lilley |
|---|---|
| Profession | Commercial Airline Pilot |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | 1996 |
| Age (at the time of death) | 28 years old |
| Birthplace | Richmond Hill, Georgia, USA |
| Hometown | Savannah, Georgia |
| Education | Georgia Southern University (Graduated 2018) |
| Marital Status | Engaged |
| Fiancée | Name Not Publicly Available |
| Father’s Name | Timothy Lilley (Former U.S. Army Helicopter Pilot) |
| Occupation | First Officer at American Airlines |
| Date of Death | January 29, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Mid-air collision (Plane Crash) |
| Aircraft Involved | American Airlines Flight 5342 (Bombardier CRJ701ER) |
| Crash Location | Potomac River, Washington D.C. |
Early Life and Education
Early Life
Samuel Lilley was born in 1996 in Richmond Hill, Georgia. He grew up in a military family, as his father, Timothy Lilley, served as a U.S. Army helicopter pilot for two decades. His exposure to aviation at an early age ignited his passion for flying.
Education and Flight Training
- High School: Richmond Hill High School, Georgia.
- College: Georgia Southern University (Graduated in 2018) with a degree in Aviation Management.
After graduating, Samuel began flight training in 2019, working hard to earn his commercial pilot’s license. His commitment and passion for aviation led him to a career at American Airlines, where he quickly gained experience as a First Officer.
Professional Career
Becoming a Pilot
Samuel Lilley’s career as a pilot took off in 2019 when he began training for his commercial pilot license. His dedication to aviation led him to join American Airlines, where he worked as a First Officer.
- He flew multiple routes across the U.S., gaining experience on various aircraft.
- His skills and professionalism earned him respect among his peers.
- In early 2025, he was months away from being promoted to Captain, a significant milestone in his career.
Samuel was known for his discipline, professionalism, and love for flying, and he was excited about the next step in his career.
Tragic Death: The D.C. Plane Crash
The Mid-Air Collision
On January 29, 2025, Samuel Lilley was working as a First Officer on American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ701ER jet traveling from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, D.C.
As the aircraft approached Reagan National Airport, tragedy struck—the plane collided mid-air with a U.S. Army Sikorsky VH-60M Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River.
Casualties
- All 64 people aboard Flight 5342 died (60 passengers, 2 pilots, and 2 flight attendants).
- Three U.S. Army personnel in the Black Hawk also perished.
- The total death toll from the crash was 67 people.
His Father’s Heartbreak
Samuel’s father, Timothy Lilley, expressed deep sorrow over losing his son in such a tragic and ironic manner.
Timothy himself was a former Black Hawk pilot, making it heartbreaking that his son died in a collision with the same aircraft type he once flew.
Timothy recalled:
“I used to fly that exact same route that the helicopter that crashed was flying. My goodness, I’d done that so many times. My brothers in the Army had something to do with the death of my son.”
Family and Relationships
Samuel Lilley came from a supportive and loving family.
| Family Member | Relation | Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Timothy Lilley | Father | Former U.S. Army Black Hawk Pilot |
| Mother (Name Not Publicly Disclosed) | Mother | Homemaker |
| Fiancée (Name Not Publicly Disclosed) | Engaged | Soon-to-be Wife |
Samuel was recently engaged, and his wedding was just months away. His fiancée and family were excited about the future, making his sudden passing even more heartbreaking.
Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
| Weight | 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Tattoos | None Known |
| Distinguishing Feature | Strong athletic build |
Net Worth and Career Earnings
Although Samuel was early in his career, he had already started to establish financial stability.
| Source of Income | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $200,000 – $500,000 |
| Primary Income Source | Airline Pilot (First Officer) |
| Salary Range | $90,000 – $120,000 per year |
As he was on track to becoming a Captain, his salary and earnings were expected to increase significantly in the coming years.
Lesser-Known Facts About Samuel Lilley
- He was about to be promoted to Captain at American Airlines.
- Samuel was engaged and was planning his wedding for later in 2025.
- His father, Timothy Lilley, was a former U.S. Army pilot, making the crash even more tragic.
- He was passionate about aviation since childhood, inspired by his father.
- Samuel loved traveling and adventure sports, including skydiving.
- He was known for his humility and work ethic, always eager to learn.
- He attended Georgia Southern University, where he studied Aviation Management.
- Samuel loved mentoring younger pilots, helping them navigate their careers.
- He enjoyed photography, especially taking pictures from the cockpit.
- He had an active social life, enjoying time with friends and family.
FAQs About Samuel Lilley
1. How old was Samuel Lilley when he passed away?
Samuel Lilley was 28 years old at the time of his death in January 2025.
2. What was his occupation?
He was a First Officer (Co-Pilot) at American Airlines.
3. What caused his death?
He died in a mid-air collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River.
4. Who was Samuel Lilley’s father?
His father, Timothy Lilley, was a retired U.S. Army Black Hawk pilot.
5. Was he married?
No, but he was engaged and planning to get married in 2025.
6. What was Samuel’s dream career goal?
He wanted to become a Captain for a major airline.
Conclusion
Samuel Lilley was a young, ambitious, and talented pilot whose life was tragically cut short in a devastating mid-air collision. He was on the verge of a major promotion, had a loving fiancée and family, and was living his dream of flying. His legacy will be remembered by those who knew him as a dedicated pilot, loving son, and caring fiancé.
This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are encouraged to verify details independently.
