Wichita Man Who Died in D.C. Plane Crash Remembered for His Passion for Travel: 'Please Pray God Gives Us Strength'

Mar. 15, 2025

PJ Diaz.Photo:GoFundMe

GoFundMe

A man from Wichita, Kansas — who was one of the 67 victims killed inthe Wednesday, Jan. 29 plane crash in Washington, D.C.— is being remembered for his love of travel.

“I don’t post often but my heart is broken and reaching out for prayers for me and my family,” Linda Diaz, the mother of Pete “PJ” Diaz, 30, wrote in a message on aGoFundMecreated to help the family following her son’s death.

“Please pray God gives us strength to get through this devastating time,” she added. “I love you PJ and always will.”

According to theWichita Eagle, Diaz was known for his love of traveling and often went on multiple cruises a year.

He graduated from Valley Center High School in Valley Center, Kansas, theWichita Eagleand CW affiliateKWCHreported.

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Diaz was aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 from Wichita when it collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter carrying three soldiers in Washington, D.C.

The bodies of55 of the 67 victimshave far been recovered so far,NPRreported on Sunday, Feb. 2.

Tributes also poured in for Diaz on Facebook.

“To PJ’s Mom Linda and his sisters, I cannot begin to express my sadness and sorrow for the loss of such a wonderful, sweet and free spirit,” wroteLisa Maddox. “PJ’s smile lit up any room he walked in to. I’ve known him for years, but we hadn’t talked in a while. You know how life happens…Rest in Peace, PJ.  You are loved and missed!”

As of Monday, Feb. 3, the GoFundMe has raised over $11,000.

source: people.com