Ian Epstein, a 53-year-old flight attendant who died in the January 29 American Airlines CRJ 700 crash in Washington, D.C., wasn't originally supposed to be on the flight but switched shifts with a colleague, it has been reported.

Newsweek contacted American Airlines for comment on Tuesday via email outside of regular office hours.

Why It Matters

On January 29, an American Airlines flight collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter on a training missing, with both aircraft then crashing into the Potomac River. The CRJ 700 jet had 60 passengers and four crew onboard, while three personnel were in the Black Hawk. Authorities said there were no survivors.

The Federal Aviation Administration, with support from other agencies, has launched an investigation into the crash. As time goes on more personal stories about the victims, including Epstein, are starting to emerge.

What To Know

Speaking to People Debi Epstein, Ian Epstein's ex-wife, said the attendant hadn't been scheduled to ride on the American Airlines flight that crashed, but swapped shifts with a colleague so he could go golfing the previous Sunday.

She said: "This was not his line. This was not a flight he was supposed to be on."

Debi said Ian became a flight attendant in February 2020, having previously worked in Camping World, due to his "passion" for traveling. She said: "He wanted to do it so badly, and I wanted him to have his dream. He absolutely loved being a flight attendant."

According to People Ian and Debi got married in 1999 after meeting two years previously at a New York club. They had two daughters together, with Debi also having two daughters from a previous marriage.

The couple's youngest daughter is due to get married on April 12, and Debi said she has asked if she can have the wings her father was wearing at the time of the crash "because she wants to wear them" on her wedding day.

Referring to Ian she added: "He was just excited...that she was going to be happy. Marrying the person that he knew that she really loved and that really loves her."

Debi said there would be a funeral for Ian according to the Jewish tradition after his body is released to his family by authorities.

What People Are Saying

Speaking to People Debi Epstein said her former husband once told her: "I'd rather die doing what I love than not do it."

She added: "He died doing absolutely what he loved. He loved interacting with people. He loved traveling...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."

Referring to an outpouring of messages following Ian's death Debi said: "We didn't realize just how much he was touching people's lives." She added this was "kind of getting us through this at this point."

President Trump controversially suggested the crash could be linked to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, in remarks branded "despicable" by former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

What Happens Next

The FAA and other agencies are investigating the January 29 crash with a view to establish what went wrong and how any repeat can be avoided. Families will continue to grieve for their lost loved ones, with D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly saying on Sunday that the bodies of 55 out of the 67 victims had been positively identified.