Lost a Friend in a Plane Crash
By Jeff Moffitt
@moffittjc (118452)
Gainesville, Florida
April 20, 2016 4:45pm CST
I received tragic news today. A very close and personal friend, former co-worker and mentor of mine died in plane crash in Maryland yesterday. It was her fiancé that contacted me today to deliver the sad news.
The plane crash happened on the eastern coast of Maryland yesterday afternoon, and two people were killed, the pilot and my friend Janet. I had just had lunch with Janet a week ago, and although I hadn't spoken to her prior to her trip, I expect that she was on her way from Florida to meet up with her fiancé in Maryland. Although they lived in Florida, Janet and her fiancé Joe owned a very successful restaurant up north.
The plans were to sell the restaurant and buy a house on the beach in Florida, along with a sailboat, so that they could enjoy retirement and go sailing every day. I know they were close to selling the restaurant, and I wouldn't be surprised if Janet was on her way up there to sign all the paperwork with Joe.
Janet had a zest for life, and brought a smile to the face of everyone she came in contact with. Janet was only 56.
Although all death is tragic, I never expected someone I know to lose their life in a fiery plane crash. It's crazy, and the tragedy still hasn't fully sunk in yet.
21 people like this
22 responses
@moffittjc (118452)
• Gainesville, Florida
23 Apr 16
@much2say Definitely not funny now! It kind of hits close to home when we see our friends around us start dropping like flies. Really puts everything in perspective.
1 person likes this
@much2say (53958)
• Los Angeles, California
23 Apr 16
@moffittjc I'm feeling that too. Not to mention a lot of famous people recently have been dying in their 60s - that is totally too young to me - especially as we're getting closer to that age! I guess there comes a time when we all start thinking about our own mortality a little more seriously.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118452)
• Gainesville, Florida
27 Apr 16
@much2say I was invited to a college party tonight. On a Tuesday!!! So you're saying I should go? LOL
@Hate2Iron (15730)
• Canada
20 Apr 16
That is so sad. Sending my condolences to you and the family involved. I can't even imagine what everyone is going through :(
2 people like this
@moffittjc (118452)
• Gainesville, Florida
21 Apr 16
Thank you. It still hasn't completely sunk in for me yet, but I really feel for her fiancé. I imagine he's going through a very tough time right now, understandably. I hope he has family or close friends up north where he is to help him get through this tragic time in his life.
@Marcyaz (35316)
• United States
21 Apr 16
@moffittjc
I know just how strange to pick up the phone then realize she is no longer able to answer the phone.
1 person likes this
@Marcyaz (35316)
• United States
22 Apr 16
@moffittjc
That would have been a terrible shock to find out that way.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118452)
• Gainesville, Florida
21 Apr 16
Thank you! After 20 years of close friendship, it's going to be weird not being able to pick up the phone and talk to her, or send her funny memes on Facebook.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (458233)
• Switzerland
23 Apr 16
@moffittjc I am glad to know that at least she lived life to the fullest, is anyway a tragic event.
1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60355)
• Perth, Australia
12 Jun 16
aw dude I am so sorry! I know this post isn't exactly recent but I still want to pay my respects! Terribly sorry for your loss!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118452)
• Gainesville, Florida
14 Jun 16
Thank you Dani! I still haven't accepted the fact that she's gone. It just doesn't seem real. I keep expecting any day now that I'm going to get a phone call or Facebook message from her. Such a weird feeling.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118452)
• Gainesville, Florida
14 Jun 16
@VivaLaDani13 I'm sure I'll get to that point soon. Honestly, I thought I would come to terms with it faster, as she was just a friend, not a family member. Well...I did consider her family though, so maybe that's why.
1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60355)
• Perth, Australia
14 Jun 16
@moffittjc That is understandable. I really do wish you the best and hope that over time, the pain will heal or at least come to a higher level of acceptance.
1 person likes this
@annaroselock (805)
• United Kingdom
24 Apr 16
My heart goes out to you, her fiancé and family 
Stay strong okay! Prayers and hugs!! 
Stay strong okay! Prayers and hugs!! 1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118452)
• Gainesville, Florida
24 Apr 16
Thank you Anna! I was doing okay for the past few days, but for some reason it was really on my mind last night, and I had trouble sleeping. It's always hard losing a friend.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118452)
• Gainesville, Florida
24 Apr 16
@annaroselock At least I will cherish all the memories and fun times we had together! Those will live on in my heart forever!
1 person likes this
@annaroselock (805)
• United Kingdom
24 Apr 16
@moffittjc Ah bless your heart 
Losing a loved one can't even be discribed. And even though you may not feel it's possible, somehow you get stronger as time goes on. Thinking about it is totally normal and will help you to obtain some form of closure
Losing a loved one can't even be discribed. And even though you may not feel it's possible, somehow you get stronger as time goes on. Thinking about it is totally normal and will help you to obtain some form of closure1 person likes this
@Blondie2222 (28611)
• United States
21 Apr 16
So sorry to hear the loss of your friend. I hope they find the cause of the crash so everyone can lay to rest. She will never be forgotten and glad you have the memories of her that you do
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118452)
• Gainesville, Florida
23 Apr 16
I went digging through a bunch of boxes the other night and came across a whole stack of pictures of Janet and back when we worked together. It sure brings back great memories! I may have lost her, but I will always cherish my friendship and my memories.
@davidalicea100 (3495)
• Merced, California
21 Apr 16
I don't fly for a reason, never wanted to. May your friend rest in peace.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118452)
• Gainesville, Florida
23 Apr 16
I have two upcoming trips to New York in which I will have to fly. It's going to be pretty nerve-wracking on those two trips. Normally, I love to fly, but this has got me on edge right now.
@LeaPea2417 (36442)
• Toccoa, Georgia
21 Apr 16
I am so sorry to read this. Praying for her friends and family. 56 is just 4 years older than I am.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118452)
• Gainesville, Florida
23 Apr 16
I'm not far behind myself. Thanks for the prayers. I'm sure the family could really use them during this time of mourning.
1 person likes this
@Drosophila (16573)
• Ireland
21 Apr 16
I am sorry to hear about this! such a shame
1 person likes this
@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
21 Apr 16
Oh my gosh, how awful @moffittjc . Why is it when you think things are about to come to fruition, something bad happens. I am so sorry for the loss of your friend.
1 person likes this
@JESSY3236 (18923)
• United States
21 Apr 16
I'm sorry for your loss. Do you know what cause the plane to crash?
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118452)
• Gainesville, Florida
23 Apr 16
They said it could take a while for the NTSB to investigate and determine the cause of the plane crash. Witnesses said they could tell the plane was in trouble, because it sounded like something was wrong. My guess is that there was either engine trouble or engine failure.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118452)
• Gainesville, Florida
21 Apr 16
Thank you Mary! It's comforting knowing she happily lived her life, was doing what she loved to do, and brightened the day of all those around her. Heaven gained a good one last night!
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
20 Apr 16
That is horrible Jeff. I am so sorry for your loss and my sympathies go out to all who were touched by her. Big hugs to you.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118452)
• Gainesville, Florida
21 Apr 16
Thank you, hugs are very much appreciated right now, even if they are virtual hugs.
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@moffittjc (118452)
• Gainesville, Florida
21 Apr 16
It reinforces the notion that we should count our blessings every single day; tell our family how much we love them; spend as much time with our friends and family as we possible can; and bury any grudges or disagreements we have with those around us.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (130064)
• India
21 Apr 16
Terribly a wrong time specially when they were into planning for their future.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29242)
• Eugene, Oregon
20 Apr 16
That is sad news indeed for you. I am sorry for your loss and that of her fiance as well.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118452)
• Gainesville, Florida
21 Apr 16
Thanks James! I really hope her fiancé is going to be able to handle this loss. He has a lot going on right now, and I'm sure a lot of emotional things to deal with as well.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118452)
• Gainesville, Florida
21 Apr 16
Thank you! I appreciate all hugs tonight, even virtual ones from across the globe.
@moffittjc (118452)
• Gainesville, Florida
21 Apr 16
Thank you Judy. The emptiness inside me tonight is weighing down on me. My only comforting thought is that heaven gained a good soul yesterday!
1 person likes this
