Ex-NFL star Joe Mixon says he previously flew on the same Bahamas-bound plane that crashed in South Florida, claiming the lives of nine people.
The free agent, 30, wrote on social media on Monday (2 November) that he was ‘absolutely devastated by yesterday's tragic plane crash in Florida’.
“I flew on that exact aircraft last month with those same two pilots,” he said after 20-year-old co-pilot Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras was identified as one of the nine who died.
“They were incredible professionals and genuinely wonderful people.
“Hearing the young woman's story and learning about the bright future she had ahead of her makes it even more heartbreaking that her life was cut so short.”
The running back said his ‘heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to the grieving families and loved ones of everyone on board’.
“A tragic reminder of how fragile life is. Love on your loved ones while you can, because you never know what tomorrow may bring,” he added.
In a previous interview with a local news affiliate of CBS News, Filgueiras said she was able to pick up her pilot's licence while still a senior in high school.
"I like being different than everyone," she said back in 2023.
"Some people think that it's weird that I can fly planes, but I can't drive a car, I mean I can but, a lot of people think it's funny."
Filgueiras's mother, Camila Corteleti, told the New York Times: "She loved the freedom. It was completely different seeing the world from the top."
The victims include tech entrepreneur Adam Robinson, his wife Helen Sharp, and their two children, Emma, four, and Charlie, two.
In a joint statement, Adam and Helen’s family said: “Adam and Helen were devoted parents, and Emma, 4, and Charlie, 2, were the light of their lives. Helen and Adam were the love affair that will last forever. Their warmth, generosity and gift for making people feel welcome touched so many lives. Their loss will be felt deeply by all those who loved them and who they loved in return.”
Rachel Reed, Charmi Fehr and Anita Maria Cetina were also travelling with their children.
Reed and Fehr were described in the joint family statement as ‘full of joy and adventure’.
"They loved their people fiercely, fully and without hesitation. From the moment they met, they were all in on each other and the life they were building," it said.
Captain Jeff Gregory, 55, has been identified as the pilot of the plane.
"We are deeply saddened to learn that Captain Jeff Gregory was among those who lost their lives in yesterday's tragic aviation accident in Palm Beach," a spokesperson from East Coast Jets said.
National Transportation Safety Board Member Tom Chapman confirmed during a press conference yesterday that 'ice and turbulence' was 'certainly a factor' in their investigation.
Chapman said: "The crew transmitted that they were at 35,000 feet with moderate turbulence with altitude deviations of about 700 feet.
"The crew reported the outside temperature was -47 Celsius, which is -53 Fahrenheit, and they were managing the ice but were in moderate turbulence.
"Very soon after the crew transmitted 'we are picking up precipitation requesting to climb to 37,000 feet if able', which was approved by FAA air traffic control.
"Less than 30 seconds later a transmission from the aeroplane announced the descent followed by a Mayday call about 12:48 Eastern, the aeroplane transmitted 'we are in an overspeed condition descending' with the rest unintelligible.
"Subsequent communications described that the aeroplane was descending rapidly and gave an altitude callout. Sadly all aboard were lost."
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