It’s always been enjoyable to see somebody that loves their job. Even if it is a mundane task that they do every day, they make the best of it and make it fresh each time it’s done.
That is how many people remember a flight attendant who perished in the American Airlines flight 5432 tragedy of the Potomac River. Ian Epstein would often entertain passengers on the flight and he was a memorable character.
His ex-wife, Debi Epstein spoke to a local newspaper and said that he had had a way of calming people when they were fearing a flight. He would tell jokes and banter with the passengers and sometimes he would even sing and dance while giving the safety talk.
@brandiii148 Ian was one of the best. In all seriousness, I’ve never met a flight attendant who loved their job as much as Ian did. He danced and sang up and down the aisle on almost every single flight we worked without a care in the world. The passengers loved him, as do so many other people. He was tragically one of the many lost in the accident last night in DCA on American Airlines flight 5342. #psaairlines #psa #americanairlines #AA5342 #flightattendant #flightcrew
His ex-wife said: “He was always the jokester and just doing the announcements with the twist. Everybody loved him — he was a great flight attendant.”
Unfortunately, his loss came in at a time when it was important for the family to have him near. His daughter is getting married in eight weeks, and he will be missed much.
Debi did say that she found some comfort knowing that he passed away doing something that he loved.
R.I.P. #IANEPSTEIN and those on American Airlines Flight 5342! This is why I’m so HEAVY on taking photos & videos!! This was IAN less than 30 days ago. EVERY flight was like this. He ❤️ his job 🙏🏽 #Flight5342 #helicopter #blackhawk #planecrash #AA5342 #flightattendant #IanEpstein pic.twitter.com/76Uh5FM27l
— Princess or DEE (@TheWildPhlower) January 31, 2025
It is not unusual for people to take pictures or video EMS EAV announcements. Many have posted tributes, including some of those moments after his passing.
RIP Ian Epstein… Was on my flight Tuesday night, one night before the tragedy in DC 😥 sharing in hopes his family sees it #ianepstein #AmericanAirlines #WichitaStrong @TMZ pic.twitter.com/9prfMFYdbJ
— Dr4shlr (@dr4shlrDC) February 1, 2025
One of his fellow flight attendants shared a video of him singing The Greatest American Hero theme song.
She wrote: “Ian was one of the best. In all seriousness, I’ve never met a flight attendant who loved their job as much as Ian did. He danced and sang up and down the aisle on almost every single flight we worked without a care in the world.”
He will be missed by many. May he rest in peace.
