Nine people, including a family of four and their nanny, lost their lives when a private jet crashed in Florida on Sunday. Among the victims were 20-year-old co-pilot Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras and 55-year-old pilot Jeff Gregory.
Now, an audio recording between the aircraft and air traffic control has revealed a heartbreaking detail about Gregory’s final moments: he was heard reciting the Lord’s Prayer.
The Learjet 60 was traveling from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas when the tragedy unfolded.
At approximately 12:50 p.m. on Sunday, the aircraft suddenly began losing altitude before plunging toward the ground and crashing onto a highway. The impact triggered a massive fireball, leaving a large crater in the road and scattering debris across the surrounding area.
Before the crash, the jet reportedly made a sharp right turn before entering a steep descent.
According to ABC News, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the aircraft dropped from 35,250 feet to 8,750 feet in just over a minute. That represents an extraordinary descent of approximately 350 feet per second.
Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are now working to determine what caused the deadly accident. Possible factors being examined include ice accumulation, turbulence, and human error.
During a news conference on Monday, the NTSB said there were indications that the aircraft may have started breaking apart before striking the ground at high speed, Reuters reported.
“The weather conditions are a major focus of the investigation,” NTSB board member Tom Chapman said. “We do have some evidence that there was some breakup of the aircraft before impact. We may find parts of the aircraft some distance away from the actual impact site.”
Captain in Learjet 60 Florida Crash Identified as 55-Year-Old Jeff Gregory
The pilot was identified as 55-year-old Jeff Gregory. East Coast Jets, a private charter company where Gregory had previously worked, confirmed his death and expressed its sadness over the loss.
In a statement, the company offered condolences to his family, fellow crew member, passengers, and everyone affected by the tragedy.
“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. Our prayers go out to Jeff’s family, his fellow crew member, the passengers, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy,” the statement read, according to NBC Miami.
A church tribute to Gregory also remembered him as someone who had passed away while doing what he loved.
According to The Sun, the tribute stated that he “went home to be with the Lord when the plane he was flying crashed.”
David Peters, a longtime friend and former neighbor, told the publication that the church they had attended while growing up, Limerick Chapel in Limerick, Pennsylvania, had shared information about Gregory’s death.
Peters also remembered Gregory as a dependable and dedicated person.
He described him as “very diligent and dependable” and recalled that Gregory had dreamed of becoming a pilot from a young age. He particularly remembered how much his friend loved wearing his leather bomber jacket.
Captain Jeff Gregory Recited the ‘Lord’s Prayer’ in His Final Moments Before the Crash
Faith reportedly played an important role in Gregory’s life. Now, the final audio recording from the Learjet has revealed an emotional detail about what happened in the moments before the aircraft went down.
According to The Mirror, the pilot was heard reciting the Lord’s Prayer during the aircraft’s final moments.
The distress-call recording was captured shortly before the crash. Gregory can be heard saying, “Who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.”
Moments later, co-pilot Nathalia is heard shouting, “We’re going to crash into the ground,” before the recording falls silent.
According to the NY Post, Gregory leaves behind his wife, Cheryl, 53, and their three children.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of everyone who lost their lives in this devastating Florida plane crash. May all nine victims rest in peace.
