Katharine McPhee pays tribute to 'warm and fun' flight attendant Ian Epstein killed in DC plane crash

WASHINGTON, DC: Katharine McPhee is mourning the loss of flight attendant Ian Epstein who died in the American Airlines plane crash.

The 'American Idol' alum, 40, shared her condolences on social media, remembering Epstein for his kindness and warm personality.

Ian Epstein remembered for his humor and kindness

Ian Epstein died after the plane collided with a Blackhawk military helicopter outside of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and crashed into the Potomac River on Wednesday night, January 29. 

All 60 passengers and four crew members on board the airplane died in the tragedy. Three crew members from the helicopter also died, taking the death toll to 67. 

“I remember this man on one of our many flights,” McPhee Foster wrote via her Instagram Stories on Friday, January 31.

"He was a gem just like you see. We had a great conversation. So warm and fun. Rest in peace, kind man 💔," she wrote on social media.

Ian Epstein's colleagues recall his impact, say he 'had that star power'

Ian Epstein was known for his humor and ability to brighten the flights he worked on.

Brandi Wise, one of his co-workers, shared a video with WCNC Charlotte showcasing his personality, including moments where he sang with passengers and kept the atmosphere lighthearted.

“So many of us loved working with him and having him as a coworker and friend,” Brandi Wise reflected.

Another colleague, Anna-Marie Walsh, a former PSA employee, said, “He had that star power. You just knew when he was present."

"You just knew when he was there. He didn't have to even say anything, and he just had a presence about him," Walsh added.

Ian Epstein remembered for his passion for flying

Travel influencer Jay Robert also honored Ian Epstein in a heartfelt post, Us Weekly reported.

“Flight Attendant Ian Epstein wasn’t just a crew member — he was the heart of every flight he worked,” Robert wrote via Instagram on Friday, January 31.

“Through his quick wit and infectious humor, he turned routine trips into moments of joy, making passengers smile even on the most stressful travel day," he added.

Robert added that Epstein was well known for his “comedic PA” announcements, which made flights more enjoyable for passengers.

“Ian was a testament to what it means to be a great flight attendant — not just making passengers feel safe and comfortable, but making them love flying,” he wrote.

“In an era where air travel is often met with frustration, Ian’s infectious spirit reminded everyone of the magic of flight," Robert added.

Ian Epstein’s family shares their grief

Ian Epstein was among the four crew members and 60 passengers who died in the crash, including 14 youth figure skaters traveling home from a US Figure Skating development training camp in Kansas.

Epstein's family confirmed his death on social media.

“It is with a very heavy heart and extreme sadness that myself along with our children Hannah Epstein and Joanna Epstein ... inform you that Ian Epstein was one of the flight attendants on American Airlines Flight 5342 that collided last night when they were landing in DC,” Debi Epstein wrote on Facebook.

“Please pray for Ian and our family as we travel to DC,” the statement added.