Community Gathers to Remember Victims of Deadly Northeast Philadelphia Jet Crash One Year Later

NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) – It was a somber and emotional gathering in Northeast Philadelphia Saturday night as community members came together to mark one year since a deadly medical jet crash claimed eight lives.

Inside Engine 71, the first fire station to respond to the crash, families, first responders, and city leaders honored the victims and reflected on the lasting impact of that tragic night.

One year ago, a medical jet went down shortly after takeoff, crashing onto Cottman Avenue near the Roosevelt Mall. The plane exploded on impact, killing all six people on board and two people on the ground, 37-year-old Steven Dreuitt and his girlfriend, Dominique Goods-Burke.

Among those in attendance was Amira Brown, Dreuitt’s mother, who continues to grieve the loss of her son.

During the memorial, Mayor Cherelle Parker asked Brown to stand and be recognized.

“Tonight it meant a bunch of love, joy, appreciation, honor,” Brown said.

Brown shared that her son and Goods-Burke were driving with her then-9-year-old grandson, Ramesses Vazquez, when the plane crashed onto the highway. Ramesses survived but suffered burns to over 90% of his body.

“Ramesses is continuing to fight. You know, he’s still gaining and getting stronger every day,” Brown said.

The crash killed eight people and injured more than 20 others. Saturday’s observance, hosted by the City of Philadelphia, not only honored those who lost their lives but also recognized the first responders and neighbors who sprang into action amid chaos.

“This incident impacted the entire neighborhood,” said Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson. “We had a plane down, jet fuel, multiple houses on fire and multiple cars on fire.”

During the ceremony, Mayor Parker also announced a new initiative to honor those lost.

“We are formally and officially using the Office of the Mayor’s Legacy Scholar Internship Program to honor fallen Philadelphians,” Parker said.

Following the vigil at Engine 71, city officials and families traveled to the crash site for a wreath-laying ceremony. Brown stood surrounded by community members offering support as she reflected on her grandson’s ongoing recovery.

“That’s her hope, that’s her strength, that little boy,” said Charline Scott, a Red Cross volunteer. “I said, that’s her healing power right there. What she will get from him, she will heal.”

While the physical damage along Cottman Avenue has largely been repaired, neighbors say the emotional scars remain.

Though the area no longer resembles the chaotic and devastating scene from a year ago, for many in this community, the healing process is still underway.