Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a memorandum directing flags to be flown at half-staff in Volusia County on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, to honor the memory of Captain Jonathon Campos, who tragically lost his life in a mid-air collision over the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia, on January 29, 2025.
Captain Campos, a dedicated commercial pilot, was killed when his Bombardier CRJ700 airliner, operating under PSA Airlines—a subsidiary of American Airlines—collided with a United States Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
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The incident has sparked an ongoing investigation by federal authorities to determine the cause of the collision.
A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2015, Campos began his aviation career with PSA Airlines and quickly rose through the ranks, earning the title of captain in 2022.
Known for his passion for aviation and his commitment to serving others, Campos was beloved by his colleagues, students, and passengers alike. His friendly demeanor and professionalism were evident in every interaction, from mentoring aspiring pilots to addressing passengers and crew during flights.
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In his memorandum, Governor DeSantis praised Campos for his dedication to his craft and his service to the aviation community. “Captain Jonathon Campos exhibited his passion for aviation and love of flying in service of others every day, in every friendly encounter with his students, and in every on-air announcement to his cabin and crew,” DeSantis wrote. “To honor his memory and his contributions, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout Volusia County from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.”
The directive applies to all state and local government buildings, installations, and grounds in Volusia County, where Campos’ alma mater, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, is located. The gesture serves as a tribute to Campos’ legacy and a reminder of the risks faced by those in the aviation industry.
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