First Officer Sam Lilley’s Body Returns Home to Georgia

The body of First Officer Sam Lilley, a Richmond Hill native, returned to Savannah on Saturday morning.

Lilley, who was 28, was among the 67 individuals who perished in the tragic mid-air collision over Washington, D.C., on January 29.

His remains were honored with a water cannon salute at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport before being transported to his hometown.

Why It Matters: This tragedy deeply affects the local community, as Lilley was a Richmond Hill High School alumnus and a 2018 graduate of Georgia Southern University.

Background: Lilley was serving as the first officer on American Airlines Flight 5342 when it collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River. All 64 individuals on the plane and three on the helicopter lost their lives. Lilley had been with PSA Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines, for two years and was engaged to be married.

Community Response: The return of Lilley’s body was marked by a solemn ceremony, reflecting the community’s respect and mourning for a life cut short. As investigations continue into the cause of the collision, the loss of a local resident underscores the far-reaching impact of this tragedy.