Dad remembers daughter, copilot killed in Florida plane crash: 'She made me so proud'
Maria Gomez
Maria Gomez
Bureau Chief · Garden City, NY
Maria Gomez has over 15 years of experience in local journalism, having previously served as the editor for the Hempstead Herald and a contributor to Newsday. She graduated from Long Island University with a degree in Journalism and has a passion for engaging with the diverse voices of Garden City. Maria believes that community journalism plays a crucial role in shaping local identity.
More from Maria →Bureau Chief · Friday, November 6, 2026 at 5:51 PM · 1 min read
Nearly a week after a Learjet crash in Palm Beach County that killed nine people, the father of the 20-year-old copilot spoke out at a news conference Friday morning, remembering his daughter as a gifted hero and his "soulmate."