Katharine McPhee's Personal Connection To Tragic D.C. Plane Crash Revealed

"American Idol" alum Katharine McPhee is mourning the loss of flight attendant Ian Epstein, who was among the 67 victims of the American Airlines Flight 5342 tragedy in Washington, D.C.

Katharine McPhee revealed she had a personal connection to Epstein, remembering him as a warm and kind presence during her travels.

McPhee took to Instagram Stories on Friday to express her sorrow, resharing a video tribute to Epstein, originally posted by travel influencer Jay Robert.

"I remember this man on one of our many flights," McPhee wrote. "He was a gem, just like you see. We had a great conversation. So warm & fun. Rest in peace, kind man."

The tribute video featured a montage of clips showcasing Epstein’s humor and warmth, as friends, colleagues, and passengers remembered him fondly.

Robert’s post described Epstein as more than just a flight attendant, expressing that he was the heart of every flight he worked. "Through his quick wit and infectious humor, he turned routine trips into moments of joy, making passengers smile even on the most stressful travel days," he said.

He went on to talk about how Epstein's spirit embodied the magic of flying and left a lasting impression on those he met. "Ian was a testament to what it means to be a great flight attendant. Not just making passengers feel safe and comfortable, but making them love flying," he said.

Robert concluded his heartfelt message by emphasizing Epstein’s lasting impact on the aviation community. "His legacy of kindness, laughter, and love for aviation will forever bring pride to the wings we wear."

The clip, seemingly recorded by a passenger, captures Epstein’s infectious personality on an earlier flight, as he engages with travelers, cracks jokes, and reminds them how much they are valued.

"Ian was the person who made customers feel like they were in first class, even if their seat was in the last row," the user who shared the video wrote in the caption.

In the footage, Epstein speaks over the intercom, blending humor with gratitude as he engages with the passengers. "We know the reason we have jobs is because you guys are flying. We love you, we appreciate you," Epstein said, as passengers can be heard laughing and applauding in the background.

His signature wit shines as he sets the tone for the flight, even laying out his own set of “rules.” "We have rules on my airplane, so make sure you're following them at all times. There is absolutely, positively not to be one ounce of mopiness or groaning on this plane."

Beyond his role as a flight attendant, Epstein had a history in entertainment, something he worked into his airline routines. "I was a comedian for 27 years. I spent 14 years as a stuntman in Hollywood, which is why my head is shaped this way. You can't make fun of my head," he joked, prompting more laughter from the cabin.

As the video comes to an end, Epstein delivers a final warm welcome, encapsulating what made him so special.

The devastating accident occurred Wednesday night when the commercial airliner collided with a U.S. military Black Hawk helicopter during its final approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The crash claimed the lives of all 60 passengers, two pilots, and two flight attendants aboard the plane, as well as the three soldiers on the helicopter. No survivors were reported in the catastrophic collision.

Among the 60 passengers aboard Flight 5342 were several members of U.S. Figure Skating, including athletes, coaches, and family members who were returning home from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.

According to Doug Zeghibe, executive director of the Skating Club of Boston, at least six members or associates of the club lost their lives, including teen skaters Jinna Han and Spencer Lane, their mothers, and 1994 world champion pair skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov.

Shishkova and Naumov, who competed in two Olympic Games, had been coaching at the Boston club before the tragic crash.

As the investigation into the mid-air collision continues, families, colleagues, and friends are left grieving an unimaginable loss.