Name: McEwen Pineville Chapel
Address: Charlotte, NC

Though I never met Ian, as a Christian and a family man, my heart is truly mourning his loss. All that I have read, heard and seen of Ian, he was a blessing to all he met. The world was truly a brighter place because of him. 

To the family, please know that I am keeping all of y’all in my prayers daily. I pray for peace and love to find its way back into your hearts. I am so sorry for your loss and I wish I had words that would make it all better. Only time will mend but never heal. Only God can heal our hearts. I pray this for yall. Gods blessings and please know that yall are loved by a stranger here in Texas.

To Ian’s family and friends, my deepest condolences to you all. I never had Ian as a flight attendant, but watched several videos of him that were shared.  He was a wonderful man and I’m incredibly sorry.  May his memory be a blessing.

Wishing you strength and peace.

My condolences and prayers goes to your family at this time of bereavement. I pray Continue comfort to your family

Ian was a ray of sunshine and light  his energy just touches all in a positive light  prayers for family

Ian was just such a ray of sunshine and an amazing person    Prayers for his family :)

Sorry to terrible tragedy. He seemed nice. My prayers to all.

I did not know Ian personally but I did remember him from a flight I took on AA. When this unfortunate tragedy was was made known and the souls on board identified, I immediately recognized Ian. How could you not remember him?! He was unforgettable! To his family and friends, my sincere condolences… he seemed to be a force to be reckoned with, let it be a joke or quick witted comeback he knew how to make a person smile. That is priceless. May his memory keep you smiling through the years.

Sending Prayers of comfort to the Epstein family during this time of bereavement  Ian was truly a gem and will be missed by so many.

Ian, 
I will miss you with everything inch of my being. You lit up a room when you entered it. 

Thank you for being wonderful  ❤️. 
All of you were absolutely family when you walked through our doors.                                    Soar 😇😇😇😇 the Heavens you’ve  have earned  your wings 🙏

Sending love from Hilton Garden Inn Pensacola Airport. 

Deidre B.

As a team member of AA in SFO my prayers to the family

Hello,
I’m Lisa Andris of Spirit Airlines, all of us from the Chicago flight attendant group send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of our “ flight brother” Ian. We have taken up a collection and would like to know if there is a donation fund for Ian’s family.  Again please accept our prayers and condolences. Ian is most definitely soaring with the angels now.

To the Epstein family and all who loved Ian, we were very close growing up together in Montreal and have such great memories with Ian.  My family was very saddened to hear of this tragic loss and our hearts go out to you all.

To Ian family and friends...

I worked with AA for many years. I started at 29 yrs and retired in 50s . I worked international platinum ... I've watched many videos on Ian.  It breaks my heart knowing how close the flight was to landing.  All 67 persons died so tragically.  I know people are encouraging with prayers and thoughts.  He truly was blessed and gave such blessing to others.  Many prayers and hugs...to daughter Hannah wear his wings proudly on your wedding day.  Your dad will be with you.🙏😇❤

So sad -Ian made our trip to Akron, Ohio so enjoyable-I found that I recorded him because he was so entertaining and calming- Dear Family, peace and prayers be with you❤️❤️❤️🙏🕊️

Praying for the family my deepest condolences for your loss. Rest in peace Ian.

My boys and I had Ian as a flight attendant more than once. I know he touched so many with his life and can only imagine what a hole he leaves in the lives of his loved ones. Such a bright soul. Always made everyone feel welcome on the flight with “glad you’re here” My boys absolutely loved him and anytime they knew we were flying out, Mr.Ian had to be their flight attendant or they wasn’t going on that flight. May his soul rest in peace.

To the family of Ian , 
       I never got the pleasure of meeting him . I have seen many many reels with him in it .  I’m soo very sorry for your loss . I hope you find comfort in knowing that even though he is in Heaven his online presence ( reels ) is still making the world a brighter place .  Will keep you in my prayers . God bless 🙏
Brenda Otto 
Kansas

Praying for the loved ones of Ian, may they  have peace and comfort during this difficult time. Please know that you will be heavy on the hearts of all flight attendants across the industry. May God’s love bring you comfort, peace & understanding.

I never got a chance to meet Ian but he seemed like a very fun loving guy who made a true impact in this world and to all who truly loved him rest in peace me and my family want to express our condolences to the Epstein family and all who lost there lives may god rest Ian souls in eternal peace

I never got the privilege to meet Ian as I am from Ireland. I always watched videos of this absolute gentleman! I have prayed everyday for both Ian & all of his family and I will continue to do so. Xxx

I had Ian as a flight attendant more than once as I flew from Charlotte to DC to visit family. He was truly memorable. He clearly loved people and his work and he was a bright spot in long travel days. I know he touched so many with his life and can only imagine what a hole he leaves in the lives of his loved ones. He was a truly bright light.

I offer my sincere condolences to Ian's family and friends at this sad time.  As a retired Flight Attendant, I can relate to the enjoyment Ian had in his job. He would be the type of crew member I would like to fly with and have as a friend.  I've thought about him a lot after seeing videos about him and I know that his customers/passengers appreciated his kindness and engagement on his flights. Fly high, Ian!

He lit up every flight he attended. He was a jubilant man and very nice to his passengers. Know that he was treasured. Amen

My thoughts and prayers are with all of Ian's family and friends . 
I have met Ian on several occasions throughout my family working at Charlotte Douglas Airport - as well as traveling for my sales job . He was certainly someone you could not forget and stood out amongst all others. He was friendly , out going , and FUNNY ! He will be so missed !

Sent my prayer for Ian and his family! Heard lot about him! He’s soul forever he will never foegetten! ❤️‍🩹

Anyone that knew Ian would say he is one of a kind.  I remember many days at Camping World when he would break into a Frank
Sinatra song, bring in lox and bagels for the entire sales staff, and announce his congratulations to every customer he sold on the PA system with glee.  You couldn’t spend time with him without a smile on your face, many times laughing out loud when he transformed into characters!  He touched so many people and he will be missed.  Baruch Dayan Haemet.

May your memory be eternal 🕯️ and may your family find solace in knowing how many lives you touched in such a positive way.

I am so very sorry for your great loss.  The reels on Google of Ian were heartwarming.  He seemed like such a sunny and fun loving gentleman. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Kathy McFeely
Washington, PA

May the lord be with his family during this difficult sad time. You are on our hearts from Northen Virginia ❤️

My sincere condolences on Ian’s passing.  I did not know him, but his personality reflected the fruits of the spirit. God bless his family.

thoughts & prayers to Ian and his family from Casey in Ohio.

Im so sorry for your loss. I watch his videos on TikTok. So passionate, full of life ♥️ his legacy will live on for sure. 

-Natalie

Though I have not crossed paths with this wonderful human being, I can feel the love he had for everyone he met - and the passion he had enjoying his venture as a FA. While I am
not a FA, I work for an airline in a different capacity. Going to work on February 3rd, while I was walking towards the terminal at my location, I had thoughts of him and the loss of his presence. RIP in Heaven. 🙏🏻

I  loved Ian’s videos! My dream was to be on a flight he was working. Never happened! Such a great, loving  person. You will truly be missed . RIP AAand fly high Ian❤️🙏

I never interacted with Ian and I am so very sorry for his loss to family and co-workers.  Sadly for us here still on Earth, God clearly needed him in heaven.  Until you all meet again, be strong and keep Ian’s spirit in all you do.

Ian will be greatly missed. I work at CLT and during the summer Ian would always gather left over cold bottles of water, snacks and food, place them in a basket and when the aircraft door would pop just before the jet bridge would be moved into place he would pass us the basket on the ramp. We would eagerly split the contents and give the basket back. It was a small gesture to most, but it was HUGE to us outside in the sun on the ramp. It meant so much every time he did that, showing us his care and love since most of the time we are forgotten and overlooked.

His sense of humor and stories would keep us enthralled while he waited at the gate for his departing flight. I've never met another FA like him, and doubt I ever will. The world lost I'm sure many great people that day in the accident, but I can attest to Ian's greatness personally. You can always tell someone's character by how they treat the lowest people on the totem pole, and his character was, is, and forever will be remembered as impeccable.

Sending my love to his family and close friends. He won't be forgotten. 💚

At American, Airlines and Regionals we are all family, even if we may not know each other personally. Perhaps one day, our paths will cross on a trip, and we’ll share a greeting. Until then, let’s always offer each other a smile—that will be the greatest legacy Ian left us. May he rest in peace.”

My deeply Condolences to Ian’s family and colleagues

I flew with Ian straight out of IOE (inflight operation experience - aka fresh out of ground school). Ya had to KNOW Ian to UNDERSTAND Ian… that’s the simplest way of putting it (haha). He was a wild card! Full of jokes and fun, but also a kind soul there to lift you up and keep a smile on your face! I truly enjoyed my time getting to know Ian BEFORE he came out of his (short lived) shy shell! I had a DH with him as the FWD FA shortly after he got his wings. He was loud and proud and living the best life as PSA fam. Next time I saw him was in a virtual annual training class due to COVID. Even when all of us were stowed away in our own quarantined space, he STILL lit up a room! 
You will be missed Ian, and your memories will forever live in our hearts. Fly high friend!

In memory  of a amazing man. Never met from the videos you are loved. A horrible fate took you. REST IN peace.

We all have a gift and it's said we should share that gift with others. I think Ian did just that. That was his purpose in life. His journey was short, but he seemed to enjoy it. He made people laugh and eased the anxiety of flying for many people. I'm sure he was there to help those who didn't understand what had just happened to them. I can picture him smiling and being that point of familiarity as they all headed to their new life in Heaven. May he be our inspiration to find our unique gifts and share them with the world. Job well done, Ian. May you rest in Peace sir.

Ian,
While we never met, we shared the same love for aviation & the same passion for the airline we both shared & that’s a kind of love that will forever connect people & move mountains. Once you’re fAAmily, it’s forever. 
To Ian’s family, friends & coworkers, my heart is with you, always. What a privilege it was for you to have known someone who was the human embodiment of love & light. My heart & my prayers are with you, even though we never met. Ian will forever be remembered & honored with love

I want to express my condolences to the Epstein family for these difficult times. I never met Ian personally, but he seemed like a great person to me judging from all the videos shared of his memory. Please,  if you ever in need of anything, I’m gladly here to help and support. You’re not alone. God bless his soul.

There are no words to express this unnecessary and early death of Ian. I am so sorry this happened and your family is in agony. I am a flight attendant and just can't imagine what you are going through. We all love you in the aviation industry and are wrapping our arms around you and your precious family. I'm completely lost and devastated.  Ian will never be forgotten.  ♥️

I meet Ian on my flight in November of 2024. He greets with a warm heart and smile.  Very gregarious gentleman,  makes you feel welcome without many words. A true tragedy for all those involved. My prayers are for everyone. As painful as this is we have the comfort of knowing God will be there to comfort us in all our trails. We look forward to a time, as the bible express no more tears and pain.  Our love one's will not  leave us.  They are in the safest place Jehovah memory. The God of all comfort continue to be with everyone. 
Kindness Regards 
Jheri

I am so sorry for your loss and know that I feel it with you. 
I want to tell you that Ian made a difference every time I flew with him on the plane. I often traveled from Dallas to Rochester through DCA to see my parents. Every time he was working that Connection flight, I was greeted with a smile, he was entertaining on the PA, and his parting message was always heartfelt, encouraging kindness, and hope. I always left feeling better getting off the plane, than when I boarded because of his kindness, and his jovial nature. I grew to appreciate his demeanor, how much he cared, and how much joy he had in doing what he loved.
I was blessed every time I flew with him.

Ian was such a genuine, funny and fun-loving person. I am lucky to have known him and he will be sorely missed 🌹

TO Ian's  Family  my deepest  condolences  an angel that's  gonna be missed 
Ex colleague
Sharon Baker❤️

My sincerest condolences to the family!  My memory of Ian began at a gate in CLT airport, we were plane swopping and the flight attendant that I was working with went over to say hi to him. I was then introduced to Ian and immediately you could feel his kind spirit, energetic energy accompanied with a warm smile. Immediately he asked me if I would work a trip for him he was wanting to take his wife on a vacation. Unfortunately I was already scheduled to work. He then started sharing his previous vacations and pictures of his wife we immediately hit it off sharing our travels. He was truly a happy blessed man. Continue to fly high friend.

You paid the ultimate sacrifice, doing what you loved to do. Fly high Ian, you have gained your heavenly wings. My sincere condolences to Ian's  entire family and friends. - Fellow Crew Member.

To Ian Epstein’s family, friends, and colleagues: 

I am so terribly sorry for your devastating loss. I deeply regret never having met Ian in this lifetime, especially not having the privilege to be a passenger on one of his vivacious flights. What a kind, warm, and loving person he is. Not was, IS.

As a daddy’s girl myself, I need to specifically address his beautiful daughter, Hannah, who is getting married soon. 

Dear Hannah, 

You don’t know me, but I grieve so terribly for you. Please know you have a fellow human being from NJ who has been thinking of you and praying for you over the past several days. Your dad has touched me so deeply from all the videos I have seen of his beautiful soul. He will be right there with you on your wedding day, throughout the rest of your life, and beyond. You are FOREVER his beautiful baby girl. May God bless you and heal your broken heart.

I had a very memorable flight with Ian on Father’s Day of 2024, where he honored all fathers on board with free drinks and seat upgrades. He and I had a very pleasant, though be it brief, conversation. He ended the flight with a goofy song and some positive takeaways. To use his employers’ old slogan, Ian truly was “something special to the sky’s!” Sending prayers for the family during this rough time. May God bless you just as Ian blessed his passengers.

I never met Ian.  I only know him from videos of him that others have been posting and, from what I've seen, he seemed like an absolute gem of a man.   My heart goes out to his family, friends, and co-workers. Please accept my sincere condolences.  May he rest in peace.

Former PSA Flight Attendant when we were USAirways Express.  This pain of this tragedy is felt by all current and former crew members.

Ian's senority was #304 and I am #303. For 5 years we saw each other's name every time it was time for bidding. I remember we were in the van on one of our overnights headed to the hotel.  I was telling him a story that made Ian laugh and it was nice because he always made other people laugh. For 5 years we always spoke in passing. Rip Ian you wanted to be known and now the whole world knows you. It was a pleasure meeting you.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.

I’ve never had the opportunity to meet Ian. However, I’ve watched some of the videos that others have posted. He will be missed. 

My family sends our deepest condolences. 



Jules Cobb Edwards

Dear family and friends , it is with heavy heart I say goodbye to my friend, camp mate and golf buddy. He was genuinely kind, funny and a pleasure to be around. He was generous of spirit and always had others best interest at heart. Quick to laugh or joke and always seeing the best in others. He was a bright man who understood that people make the difference and he tried to make a difference in others' lives. I'm going to miss the laughter and the funny Ian. You were one of a kind! Fly high my friend, fly high...Eric

Ian you will be sorely missed in our industry. Happy, funny and compassionate people like you are refreshing in this stressful industry. 
Although we never met I’m a FA from NC and your passing has touched me deeply. 

In your honor Ian I’m going to change the way I fly. I will remember your words “no one is allowed to frown”. When times get challenging or frustrating I will think of you and I’ll turn my frown upside down . Will remember life is too short to be in a bad mood and let the little things get to me. 
Thank you for bringing your magic to our industry and the world. 

May you rest in eternal peace sir. Fly high. You’ve earned your heavenly wings now. 

God bless Ian’s family and friends. We are all praying for you. May Ian’s  memory and stories of how he touched people’s lives bring you comfort in your time of sorrow 💐

United By Wings 🕊️

I want to express my condolences to the family. I am from the skating community. Because we lost so many gifted children and professional coaches, other victims are kind of lost among the overwhelming skating tragedy. But these couple days there were a lot of inspiring videos and stories of Ian and it was a little comforting to know these unfortunate passengers had Ian as their flight attendant who hopefully made their last flight special. I am surprised by amount of passengers who remembered you. I didn’t even realize that was a thing. Mash up rest in peace and condolences to your loved ones on this immense loss. 🕊️💔

My sincere condolences for his loving family and all who knew him and worked with him.  What a loving, kind,  sweet man filled with joy!! 💙🙏💙

May you rest in eternal peace and happiness ❤️

Ian will be forever remembered as our favorite flight attendant. We fly quite often, and my youngest daughter always says, the only thing that would have made this flight better is Ian! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Ian was a wonderful roomie, friend, fellow crew member and man. Ian, Meschelle, and I had such a blast sharing life and adventures during our year as roomies!  Ian was  adventurous , kind, courteous, caring, and pure fun!  What a blessing to have known him!!  Ian’s eye glistened when he spoke of his family. He truly loved them so much.  May God bless all of those hurting from this horrible loss,  and may God  send millions of Angels to wrap their arms around his loved ones, during this tragedy.  A sad day for all!  Ian, fly high until we  see each other  again.  Sending love and prayer,  Theresa St Claire

Sincere condolences from our entire family. We had the gift of Ian on our flight to Pensacola this past Thanksgiving. It was honestly the best flight any of us have ever taken, and we fly a lot. We were travelling with our daughters, sons-in-law, and 3 grandchildren. Our son-in-law hates flying and with his 3-mth old, he was super nervous.  Ian saw that after cooing over the baby and came back with some bourbon for him – totally unexpected and very thoughtful – he made these new parents laugh and forget their worries. He went up and down the aisles making commentary to many of the passengers and I don’t think we stopped laughing the entire flight.  He razzed our other son-in-law, who got stuck in first class and left his family in the back, and joked around with our daughter that he was going to get her some diamond earrings out of this trip. He just chatted it up with our 7 and 4 year old grandchildren – they just loved him.  His energy was over the top but also in such a comfortable way – he exuded kindness and thoughtfulness and what a sense of humor.  When we got with the rest of our family, each of us had our own stories to tell of this awesome flight attendant we met that day.  We ran into him a week later at the airport and he remembered the kids’ names.  Somebody mentioned Maya Angelou’s quote ‘they’ll never forget how you made them feel’ and that is so appropriate for Ian.  We walked away feeling happy having met him and it appears many people felt the same way.  When we heard the news last week, our hearts dropped.  How does this happen to such a great human being?  If he can affect people like us that only knew him for a sliver in time, we know the effect he must have had on those closest to him and we grieve for your loss.  May his memories, and the number of people he touched, bring you strength in this most difficult time.  

Abbajay Family – Passengers of the best FA ever!
Charlotte, NC

Ian made my wife and I laugh on a flight to Charlotte last year. He was so funny and outgoing we couldn’t help but remember him.  When we read he had lost his life in this senseless tragedy we felt pain. He seemed like a good and happy man who just wanted to get to the golf course that day! We hope he did. God bless his soul and look after his family.  Oh and thanks for the wine Ian, we didn’t want it but you made sure we got plenty 🥰

Sending my condolences to the Family.

UnitedbyWings 

Jeremy Tolbert 
AA 21-02

Rest in Peace Ian. Fly high. 
Love your aviation family.
Denise Basinger 
Republic Airways FA

Ommmg! Ian always was full of laughter and fun! Our best time was in ground training! He was the loudest and wildest person in class! I remembered when we first completed our emergency drills, Ian came out of the room like a deer in headlights! He had a tear in his eye! I was so concerned because if he was scared OMMMG! Then, he looked at me and then we started cracking up laughing 😂 You’re going to be missed! Rest in Heaven Dude! 🙏🏼😇

Sending all my love to his family and friends. United by wings AA14-01

For a man I never had the chance of meeting. You touched the lives of so many across the world for your heroism. To get on a plane everyday, is definitely not an easy task. You give up so much (family, friends and something as simple as sleeping in your own bed at night). I loved your passion to travel and I hope you can continue to do that miles above us all. I am so sorry to your family, friends, and so many that had the pleasure of knowing you.  Condolences to you all- from Elk Mound, Wi (Steph Brueggen)

We are all going to miss Ian. I never got to work with him but he was a Star at PSA, so I definitely knew all about his accomplishments and awards. His spirit will live on forever. Enjoy flying in heaven with your eternal wings! We will be looking for you above. Applause!

Fort Myers RSW Based Breeze Airways Flight and Inflight Crew wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Ian, may we embody Ian's love for aviation and share with our guests his humanity and love.  We offer our deepest condolences.

I will never forget you and how you made everyone smile.  The impact you made on others was magnificent.  I wish you could see all these videos and comments posting about you!  You went viral! It doesn't surprise me- you were that special.  You will NEVER be forgotten and people will be talking about you for years to come.  I still can't believe this is really happening.  I know you are smiling down on us here.  There will never be another like you! ❤️

Ian I will treasure all of the time we got to spend together. I got to see you make so many people laugh and smile. I feel so blessed I got to call you one of my close friends.  You were a bright shining light and I’ll miss you so much 
Susie

My deepest condolences to you and your family.  My last flight with Ian was August of 2024 in which I was going to work and brought my daughter with me. Once we stepped foot on the plane he told me I should be smiling because I had my daughter with me and told her that I need to smile because there's no frowning allowed. She sat in first class with him and I sat close behind. Ian took the time to come back and tell me about how great of a kid she is and the great conversations they were having but made sure he continuously checked in on me. He was one of a kind.

Ian you will truly be missed. Such a wonderful person . Sending my sincere condolences to his family .

I’m heartbroken to hear about Ian’s passing. He had a way of lighting up every room he walked into—especially the crew room, where his humor and energy made even the longest days feel lighter. His pride in his family was always evident when he spoke of his life. Big belly laughs and friendship is what he brought to those around him . Ian was one of a kind, and he will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.
 
My Sincere prayers,
Tiffany Miller

What a great man  my husband I meet him on our our flight from Charlotte. A true inspiration to many including my husband I . I hope they're  in heaven and sharing stories . 
We had an amazing flight with this wonderful man, who brought us so much joy.
Sincerely 
Michael Kelly
Daytona Beach, FL
Keith Kelly
Charlotte, NC

3s company…. Me, Theresa  & Ian.  
A roommate who was more like a little brother.   Mischievous but funny, adventurous, always had a great story, and was everyone’s friend.  Ian loved living on Lake Cornelius, being a Flight Attendant, but most of all, Ian loved his daughters.  His pride and joy, and his greatest achievement in life.

Until we meet again.

My sincere condolences go to his family and friends at this difficult time. ❤️‍🩹. Rest in peace Ian.

Heaven has gained the most magical angel.  Ian, now you have your forever wings.  Rest easy friend  🙏🏽 

Love,
Misti

flight attendants don’t die . 
they just fly higher! heaven now has another 
great angel! 
Robeena Racette
PSA FA

Someone once told me Flight Attendants never die, they just earn bigger wings. Well Ian, may your wings wrap us in your loving spirit forever.  I will never  forget you or the times we sat on reserve at CLT. Your kindness, your spirit, your infectious personality. Never a dull or sad moment with you because like you always said “you only have one rule on this flight …. No one and I mean no one is allowed to frown today”……. So Ian as we set you free into the big open skies you loved so much….. please know we do it with a smile on our faces, and a tear in our eyes!

My sincerest condolences and prayers go to the family and friends of Ian. I wish our paths had crossed at some point during my frequent travels, as the videos and photos on social media show him to be one of the best, if not the best, flight attendants I've ever seen.  He did not let the stress of travel dampen his enthusiasm, and he used that window to brighten the lives of his passengers onboard. He touched so many lives with his humor, kind smile, and joyful nature. I could tell right away from his photo that he had a caring spirit, and the videos only confirmed that and brought a smile to my face with the "Dad jokes." May you all be comforted and surrounded by love among family and friends,  plus everyone across the miles praying and thinking of you.

The thought of sitting in a seat once filled by you is difficult to bear. Your vibrant energy and voice will be deeply missed. You always had a story to tell, and your presence left an unforgettable mark. We miss you dearly, and our love for you will never fade. No matter what, we will always be united by the wings.  Flight attendant shelove philostin

I'm deeply sadden by Ian's death. I didn't really know him but who knows if I ever met him on any AA flights.

My deepest condolences go out to his family, colleagues, friends.

OBITUARY

Ian Douglas Epstein

December 15, 1971 – January 29, 2025

McEwen Funeral Service-Pineville Chapel

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