Flight Attendant Dad Died in D.C. Plane Crash Weeks Before Daughter’s Wedding

• Ian Epstein was working as a flight attendant when an American Airlines plane collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Jan. 29
• In an interview, his ex-wife remembered Ian fondly, saying he “died doing what he absolutely loved,” and also shared that their daughter is set to get married in 8 weeks
• “He really holds the humanity of what it means to be a flight attendant, and to enjoy it,” a former co-worker said in a separate tribute

Tributes are pouring in for Ian Epstein, one of the flight attendants who died when an American Airlines plane collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter in Washington, D.C.

Ian was among 64 people onboard American Airlines Flight 5342 when it was involved in the fatal crash near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

Debi Epstein, his ex-wife, told the Charlotte Observer that Ian was “great” at his job and “died doing what he absolutely loved.”

“He was always the jokester and just doing the announcements with the twist,” she said.

Ian is a father of two, according to Debi. “Our daughter is getting married in eight weeks,” she added. “It’s just a lot.”

Ian previously worked at Camping World as a salesman who was known for making people smile, according to ABC affiliate WSOC-TV.

Jennifer Cagle, a former coworker, described him as “really very talented in getting people what they wanted” and  “just making them feel at ease.”

Garrick McFadden, who once worked with Ian at American Airlines, said his former co-worker was “a colorful ball of energy,” according to CBS affiliate WBTV.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“I have never seen him down,” McFadden explained. “He really holds the humanity of what it means to be a flight attendant, and to enjoy it.”

He later added, “There is only one Ian Epstein.”

Another coworker shared footage of Ian singing “Believe It or Not,” the theme song for ABC’s The Greatest American Hero, during one of his previous fights. “He is always this guy on flights,” wrote jennerousworld on Threads. “Not a dull moment with him.. We will miss you Ian.”

Karolyn Szot, who was recently on one of Ian’s flights, shared a Facebook post applauding Ian for being helpful and thoughtful during their interactions.

“We were flying with our son, and when he saw me carrying multiple bags, and Bruce who didn’t want to walk, he asked me if I drink wine,” she recalled. “He immediately brought me a glass of Sauvignon Blanc to my seat (on him) and told me to keep up the great work of being a mom. He was lovely.” 

According to Szot, “lan then lightened up the whole flight by doing a comedic routine at the beginning of the flight that immediately made the whole plane lighter and more lively. At the end of the flight he brought Bruce his first pair of flight wings.”

Szot said she and her family later passed Ian at the airport, “and I remember stopping him one more time to let him know how much I appreciated him.” 

So when Szot saw his face on the news as one of the 67 victims killed in the D.C plane crash, she “instantly” recognized him.

“Sometimes you just know a good person when you meet them,” Szot wrote. “I hope lan inspired more people to love what they do and exude kindness to strangers that they come across. A great loss. Rest In Peace, lan.”

The other crew members aboard the American Airlines jet have been identified as fellow flight attendant Danasia Elder and pilots Sam Lilley and Jonathan Campos.